 |
 |
 |
Mass media: broadcasting
|
|||
|
Mass media: broadcasting
|
Traditionally of the public service type (though with much more direct personal intervention by the President up to the end of the 1970s), French TV underwent restructuring from 1986 onwards and a succession of new laws were introduced.
TF1 was the main state channel. It was sold off in 1986 to a business consortium. Still the most popular channel (now part-owned by Berlusconi). Material predominantly imported. Financed by advertising.
Antenne2 and FR3 are public channels. Antenne2 s national and FR3 is a regional channel. These are funded by public subsidy and by advertising. They are jointly managed and so intended to co-operate rather than compete for audiences
Canal+ is a pay-per-view channel and is very successful in Belgium, Germany and Spain, as well as France. It also exports to Brazil and former French colonies. The channel carrries a mix of music and sport and ligh current affairs, plus a hard core porn spot once a week.
M6 has only 10% of the audience share, but this is very specifically a young audience, which means that premium prices can be demanded from advertisers. Popular music and US sitcoms.
Arte is funded by both the French and German governments. There is no advertising, no games shows, no sitcoms, only documentaries and arts programmes. The channel broadcasts only in the evenings. It audience share hovers around 2%.
For up-to-date information on broadcasting in France, check out Geoff Hare's page of links at the University of Newcastle
Types of broadcasting system
De Fleur's model of the taste-differentiated audience
Public Service broadcasting
Broadcasting in the EU
EU legislation
Broadcasting in Germany
Broadcasting in Holland
Broadcasting in Italy
Broadcasting in the UK
Regulation of the media in the UK
|