France: Controversial broadcasting reform clears final hurdle
The broadcasting reform proposed by President Sarkozy has cleared the final hurdle. The Senate passed the controversial project on Wednesday with a majority of votes from the supporters of France's top politician.
The broadcasting reform proposed by President Sarkozy has cleared the final hurdle. The Senate passed the controversial project on Wednesday with a majority of votes from the supporters of France's top politician.
Among other things, the reform provides for the complete abolition of advertising on public television by the end of 2011. To finance this, the fees for broadcasting users are to increase gradually from 116 to 122 euros per year. There will also be a new tax for private broadcasters and telephone companies.
Advertising after 8 p.m. had already been banned on public television at the beginning of January, although the law was not even in force at the time. The broadcasters' board of directors had ordered the abolition on the advice of the government itself when it became apparent that the corresponding law would meet with fierce resistance from the opposition.
The reorganization of public broadcasting in France has been the subject of intense debate for weeks. By abolishing advertising, Sarkozy wants to raise the standard of state television and reduce "dependence on ratings". Critics accuse Sarkozy that the reform will primarily benefit private broadcasters, who can hope for additional advertising revenue. The French President is close friends with the head of the largest private broadcaster TF1, Martin Bouygues.
The opposition and employees of the public broadcaster fear that the state will not fully compensate for the loss of advertising revenue. In future, the appointment of the head of state television will be the direct responsibility of the President.
Among other things, the reform provides for the complete abolition of advertising on public television by the end of 2011. To finance this, the fees for broadcasting users are to increase gradually from 116 to 122 euros per year. There will also be a new tax for private broadcasters and telephone companies.
Advertising after 8 p.m. had already been banned on public television at the beginning of January, although the law was not even in force at the time. The broadcasters' board of directors had ordered the abolition on the advice of the government itself when it became apparent that the corresponding law would meet with fierce resistance from the opposition.
The reorganization of public broadcasting in France has been the subject of intense debate for weeks. By abolishing advertising, Sarkozy wants to raise the standard of state television and reduce "dependence on ratings". Critics accuse Sarkozy that the reform will primarily benefit private broadcasters, who can hope for additional advertising revenue. The French President is close friends with the head of the largest private broadcaster TF1, Martin Bouygues.
The opposition and employees of the public broadcaster fear that the state will not fully compensate for the loss of advertising revenue. In future, the appointment of the head of state television will be the direct responsibility of the President.
