Why your TV reception in France might be poor this week

The TV signal is being disrupted across the country this week, with many viewers reporting pixelated screens, static, missing channels and absent signals.

However, there is no need to contact a repairman… the weather is to blame.

Certain of those who watch TV on France’s TNT network and receive the signal via an aerial antenna are affected by the disruption, see map, below.

People who watch via fibre or satellite are unaffected.

France’s Agence Nationale des Frequences, (ANFR), alerted viewers to the disruption on Wednesday (October 11).

“Due to the current meteorological conditions, an enhanced spread of certain radio-electrical frequencies is leading to poor television reception,” it announced on its website.

How can good weather lead to bad reception?

The phenomenon is called ‘tropospheric propagation’, or ‘enhanced propagation’, which happens when radio signals go further than intended, resulting in jamming and interference.

High air pressure, clear skies and a high air temperature are contributing to the phenomenon. It is not unique to France and often occurs in periods of fine weather.

The ANFR says that reception will return once the weather conditions are back to normal.

Which regions are affected?

Which channels are affected by the disruption?

All TNT channels including those behind a paywall:

TF1, France 2, France 3, France 5, M6, Arte, W9, LCP, TFX, TMC, NJR12, France 4, BFMTV, C8, CStar, CNews, Franceinfo, Gulli, Canal +, LCI, Paris Première, 6ter, Chérie 25, TF1 séries plus, RMC Story, RMC Découverte, L'Equipe, Canal+ Cinéma, Canal+ Sport and Planète +.

42 local and regional TV channels on TNT are also affected.

The ANFR advises people not to attempt to reprogramme their TV channels. It expects the disruption to end by Friday (October 13).

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