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An Independent Authority to Protect Audiovisual Communication Freedom

An Independent Authority to Protect Audiovisual Communication Freedom

Sommaire
- An Independent Authority to Protect Audiovisual Communication Freedom
- European and International Relations

The Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel (CSA) was instituted under the law of 17 January 1989 with the charge of guaranteeing broadcasting communication freedom in France. It is the successor to the Haute Autorité de la communication audiovisuelle (1982-1986), and to the Commission nationale de la communication et des libertés (1986-1989). The scope of the CSA's responsibilities under the law of 30 September 1986, amended numerous times, is wide-ranging: ensuring plurality in opinions expressed, organising radio and television electoral campaigns, rigorous news treatment, allocating frequencies to operators, ensuring human dignity is upheld, protecting consumers. The Conseil is also in charge of ensuring on-air "defence and showcasing of French language and culture" (veiller à la défense et à l’illustration de la langue et de la culture françaises). More recently, the CSA has received new charges: rendering television programmes accessible to hearing or visually impaired persons, ensuring media reflection of the diversity in French society, supporting health protection public policies, etc.