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French Radio and Television started by being subsidised by the state.
When it began to expand the French Government soon founded the Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel, CSA (The Audiovisual Council). It now ensures a free and democratic coverage by the media for the benefit of spectators and audiences and guarantees that the laws are enforced.
Around 1980 when radio and television began to develop to an outstanding degree the French Government created a state controlled body in connection with radio and TV following the example of Canada and the United States. In 1989 it was called "Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel". It guarantees the freedom and independence of French radio and TV. It enforces the law and attributes frequencies and broadcasting authorisations for all the terrestrial cable and satellite channels in France. It nominates the presidents of public radio and TV channels such as France Télévision and Radio France.
The CSA regularly makes reports on the activities over the past year and submits them to the French government and Parliament. It puts forward advice and reservations concerning questions that have been raised.
The CSA has the right to settle problems concerning the reception of radio and TV programmes and is committed to seeing that people's rights, especially children and teenagers, are taken into account. Thus in 1996 it created a descriptive code for young people The idea was to spare minors from seeing shocking sights. Symbols give information concerning the programmes so that 12, 16 or 18 year-olds can be advised against watching some of them. It also sees to it that there are no racial, injurious, insulting and degrading remarks. The CSA endeavours to encourage dialogues and exchanges.
From the same point of view, it upholds the correct usage in French. It corrects any mistake or misuse of language and politely reminds the presenters and newsreaders not to make grammatical errors.
It ensures freedom of speech and is very careful to see that the political parties and trade unions have the same speaking time on the media. It guarantees freedom of speech to all, corresponding to the rules of French democracy. During election periods the CSA organises official radio and TV campaigns. A few weeks before polling day all the candidates are presented in the same way and submit their programmes in very short films like a commercial advert. All are given the same length of time and are broadcast during the same time slot.
The CSA guarantees free competition, keeps an eye on the quality and diversity of the programmes, and helps to develop French radio and TV productions. When for ethical reasons they ask a producer to make some changes in his programme the law also allows them to impose sanctions. It imposes fines and suspends broadcasting authorisations.
However, the CSA cannot directly submit a case to the court and has no power over a company that is at fault.
Nine counsellors have the responsibility of carrying out their mission. The three highest state authorities nominate them for six years. In order to ensure their independence.
The position of the nine "wise" is not compatible with any other professional activity within the French radio and TV during their mandate, nor can they have holdings in any film, publishing, press, advertising or telecom company. They cannot receive any money directly or indirectly. They are irrevocable and cannot renew their mandate.
The CSA regulates the whole of the French audiovisual setting and is constantly in relation with foreign representatives in Paris. It has links with many similar organisations that regulate the audiovisual scene allowing them to gain from its experience. Its representatives take part in many symposiums and professional events. As it observes the emergence of radio and TV throughout the world it shares its experience by publishing many articles. Within the European Union the French Council for Audiovisual has close relationships with its British and German counterparts. It plays a part in the activities of the "Television sans Frontiere" comity and the European Platform of Regulatory Authorities (EPRA) which was created in 1998. Finally, it coordinates the network of Mediterranean regulation authorities. Every two years it organises a bilateral meeting with the African members of the Network of African Communication Regulatory Authorities (RIARC).
These contributions show the vitality and the importance of this French organisation.
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