France 24 – February 2022 highlights

2 February 2022

Coming up on France 24 during February

REVISITED – Brexit

If you were to pick one subject that has dominated UK’s political debate since the end of the Second World War it would have to be the UK’s place in what is nowadays the European Union. It is a subject that has engaged and enraged politicians and the population for years – a real opinion divider, with passionate arguments from those wanting to be fully part of the European project – and those who want nothing to do with it. For nearly 25 years, the UK remained – a somewhat awkward partner – opting out of key legislation. At home the battle raged, especially within the Conservative party – until in 2016 Prime Minister David Cameron made a crucial announcement of a referendum on Britain’s membership. Cameron resigned and Theresa May, then Boris Johnson, delivered Brexit. But as the arguments between the UK and the European Union notably over issues like Northern Ireland and fishing continue, how is the UK actually faring, and where is public opinion today?  Clovis Casali revisits Brexit Britain.

Sunday 6 February at 1910 GMT

DOWN TO EARTH – DNA: New home for the world’s data?

Are we on the brink of a data storage crisis? As the world produces an ever-growing amount of digital information, we are running out of space to store it, with far-reaching consequences for the environment. DNA is now being billed as a promising solution. Researchers say all the data in the world could fit in just 100 grams of DNA, the equivalent of a chocolate bar.

Saturday 5 February at 1720 GMT

DOWN TO EARTH – Skiing: Nearing the End?

Across the Alps, climate change could make skiing a relic of the past. With warm winters and snow shortages threatening an entire industry, ski resorts are left grappling with how to adapt. In this episode of “Down to Earth”, we meet those working to keep mountain tourism alive, with or without the snow. In the Jura Mountain range, the resort town of Métabief is bidding farewell to skiing in the mid-term, as they transition into a four-season tourism model. In one of France’s oldest ski stations, slopes are being relocated uphill, while others continue to rely on artificial snow machines.

Saturday 19 February at 1720 GMT

REPORTERS PLUS – Stalemate in Palestine

On 24 June 2021, Palestinian activist Nizar Banat died after his arrest by Palestinian security forces at his home. The political opponent was a fierce critic of the Palestinian authority. His death had an immediate effect: thousands were out in the streets to protest and to blame Mahmoud Abbas. The 86 year old leader is clinging to power, having just cancelled the first elections in 16 years. France 24’s reporters meet the Palestinians who openly denounce their leadership and who feel abandoned. Many consider there is no more hope, as they suffer, in their words, “a double occupation, that of Israel and that of the Palestinian Authority”.

Saturday 12 February at 1910 GMT

THE 51 PERCENT – Six months after the fall of Kabul: what is the situation for Afghan women?

To mark six months since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan, “The 51 Percent” takes a look at the situation of women who remained in the conflict-ridden country. While the Taliban attempt to present a more moderate approach to the world, girls’ education is still not accessible for all; some women’s rights activists have disappeared while many working women have found themselves out of a job. With guest Shaharzad Akbar, President of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in Afghanistan, now living in exile.

Friday 11 February at 1545 GMT

Key stories in France 24 news bulletins during February

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – WORLD CANCER DAY 

On World Cancer Day, France 24’s four channels offer viewers reports, magazines and interviews.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4 – MEETING BETWEEN VLADIMIR PUTIN ET XI JINPING

France 24’s correspondents in Beijing offer viewers special coverage of the meeting between the two Heads of states with reports and analysis in news bulletins.

FEBRUARY 5 AND 6 – AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT  

On the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on February 5 and 6, France 24’s correspondents report in news bulletins to share the highlights of this event.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 6 – INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE FOR FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

On the international day of zero tolerance for female genital mutilation, France 24’s four channels take a look this dangerous practice around the world and bring viewers interviews and reports in news bulletins.

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 6 – FIRST ROUND OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION IN COSTA RICA

France 24 covers the presidential election in Costa Rica and bring viewers reports and interviews.

FEBRUARY 7 AND 8 – MEDITERRANEAN FORUM

For the Mediterranean forum in Marseille, France 24 broadcasts Emmanuel Macron’s speech live.

FEBRUARY 17 AND 18 – EUROPEAN UNION-AFRICAN UNION SUMMIT

The leaders of the EU and the AU as well as of their respective member states will meet for the sixth European Union – African Union summit in Brussels. The summit will present a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for a renewed and deeper AU-EU partnership with the highest political involvement and based on trust and a clear understanding of mutual interests. France 24’s special correspondents report on the event, a highlight of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union and offer viewers special editions dedicated to the summit.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 – THE 47TH CÉSAR AWARDS CEREMONY

France 24 covers the 47th César Awards ceremony that honours the best French films of 2021. The channel’s culture editors report live in the news bulletins on the highlights of the ceremony.