IT landscape in France
In 1982, the
law on audiovisual communication introduced some preliminary limited sector
liberalization. Private radio stations were allowed for the first time
and public service television could be commissioned to private companies.
In 1986, the law on Freedom of communication brought in liberalization
of the broadcasting sector. It laid down rules on licensing, media ownership,
pluralism, advertising, content and subsidies for audio-visual production.
Since 1988, the Conseil Superieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA) has been established
as the regulatory body and is in charge of issuing licenses for private
radio and television (terrestrial cable and satellite). It is responsible
for broadcasting content, advertising and the allocation of broadcasting
subsidies. The CSA requires a minimum of 60% of European works and a minimum
of 40 % French productions. French music radio stations must broadcast
a minimum of 40 % French music (50 % of which must be dedicated to "new"
French artists).
In 1996, France ratified its Information Superhighway law. The law authorizes the licensing of trial digital and video-on-demand services.
The present government is presently dissatisfied with the level of media concentration (49 %), and it has expressed a wish to return to the 1986 media ownership limit of 25%, but it would implied a re-regulation.
Source: vii.org
To implement European
directives, the French law of 26 July 1996 opened up the telecommunications
sector to full competition from 1 January 1998. This law provides for
telecommunication activities to be carried out freely. Regulation by an
independent administrative authority (Telecommunication Regulatory Authority)
insures the application of all legal, economic and technical arrangements.