As reported on the EBU web site, France’s international news channel which the government had planned to launch in 2004 will eventually go on air in the last quarter of 2005.
Some 30m euros will be allocated for the launch, half the 60m euros yearly budget needed to run the channel. The project brings together, on an equal footing, TF1 and Francetélévisions, to create a rolling-news channel drawing on the resources of TF1, LCI (La Chaîne Info), France 2 and France 3.
The European Commission is not opposed to the project which, being primarily aimed at Africa, the Middle East and Asia, will not have a significant impact on the EU broadcasting scene. The channel will broadcast in English and French, Arab-language programmes have been put on hold for the time being. Partnership agreements are reportedly planned with AFP, RFI and possibly EuroNews.