France

[FR] Terms of Reference of Public-sector Channels

IRIS 1998-2:1/21

Bertrand Delcros

Radio France

In France, the two main public-service channels are France 2 and France 3. Their terms of reference are set out in decrees dated 16 September 1994. The rapid evolution of the audio-visual scene has led the Government to consider amendments to these texts, which were submitted to the French media authority, the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel - CSA); it gave its opinion on 16 December 1997.

For the protection of children and young people, the CSA feels it necessary to require the public-sector channels - as well as the private channels - to include a symbol on the screen when broadcasting certain programmes (including films) so that viewers are aware whether or not the programme is suitable for children. The public authorities are very concerned with developing audio-visual production, as demonstrated in the debate on quotas for the production and broadcasting of audio-visual works. In its opinion of 16 December 1997, the CSA makes recommendations concerning in particular the duration of broadcasting rights acquired by the France 2 and France 3 channels. Such rights should not last so long that they hinder the circulation of works; the CSA therefore proposed a reasonable period of two years.

On the maximum duration of advertising, the CSA was pleased to note that, in compliance with Article 18 of the `Television without Frontiers' Directive, France 2 and France 3 would now be subject to daily rather than annual supervision of the maximum time allowed for advertising.

In general, the CSA hoped that the rules laid down by the Prime Minister's decree which apply to France Télévision's public-sector channels would be as close as possible to those it had drawn up itself, which apply to the private channels such as TF1 or M6.