Direct 8 was a national French TV channel, owned by Vincent Bolloré. It was available through digital terrestrial television network "TNT" and the Astra 1H satellite position. As the name suggests ('direct' is French for 'live'), Direct 8 was originally intended to broadcast live shows only (except during night times and holiday seasons). This is no longer the case. Following its purchase by Canal Group, the channel closed down on 7 October 2012 and relaunched as D8.