Pathe Silent On Report Of Tf1 Play

French film and television production group Pathe declined to comment Wednesday on a report that it could be seeking to buy into TF1, the leading French television network.

The report in the newspaper Le Figaro comes amid intense speculation here that a shakeup in French television ownership could be imminent. The rumors are linked to the socialist government's plans to rewrite audiovisual legislation and to a costly war for digital satellite TV subscribers.

Le Figaro quoted unnamed sources as saying Pathe "is actively interested in TF1 and could even envisage picking up shares."

Asked about the report, a Pathe spokesman said only, "No comment."

Pathe, which has a 65% stake in the leftist newspaper Liberation in addition to its film activities, has previously indicated that it would like to expand into network television.

Le Figaro said privately owned TF1 is of increased interest to various industrial groups, including Pathe, because powerful businessman Vincent Bollore recently acquired a 24.8% share in Bouygues, the building and telecommunications giant that controls TF1 with 39% of its shares. TF1 had no comment.

But Bouygues might have to divest itself of part of its holding under the new media law, which could set an ownership ceiling for companies such as Bouygues that rely on public works contracts.

The first draft of the law is due to be outlined by Culture Minister Catherine Trautmann on Feb. 4.

Also at issue for Pathe could be TF1's role as owner of 25% of the shares in digital satellite provider Television Par Satellite.

Pathe owns 20% of CanalSatellite, a subsidiary of Canal Plus, which has recently indicated that it would like to resolve its costly rivalry with TPS by merging the two digital providers -- and retaining control.

Le Figaro said Pathe had been discreetly maneuvering in favor of a merger.