Foreword

In 2010, as in previous years, the Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel strove to meet the expectations of audiences, professionals, and society at large, guided by a sense of balance and responsibility, and keeping in mind novel requirements in terms of technology, economics, society, culture, and, naturally, broadcasting.

It continued working on further extending digital terrestrial television (DTT) coverage: ten additional régions switched over to digital-only broadcasting. The switch-over process is, evidently, fully under control from a technical point of view; but, it, also, appears to have been fully embraced by public opinion. The Conseil’s Board would like to pay tribute to the remarkable work performed by, not only its own services, but, also, its partners, the groupement d’intérêt public France Télé numérique, locally elected officials, the industry, and numerous volunteers. The reason why digital switch-over has been so welcomed by our fellow citizens is that it has already translated into an increase in quality: e.g., the broadcasting at the national level of France Ô since 14 July 2010; the emergence of new local television channels, now numbering 50; and, the issuance, on 16 November 2010, of the first call for tenders (appel à candidatures) for the edition of DTT on-demand audiovisual media services. The Conseil also makes sure digital television benefits all geographical areas, without exception. The first DTT multiplex was enabled in outre-mer (overseas départements and territoires) on 30 November 2010: 95 per cent of people living in outre-mer France now have access to France Télévisions’ channels, France 24, and Arte.

The Conseil worked relentlessly to achieve the necessary conditions for a balanced audiovisual landscape in France, and, on certain occasions, took a proactive stance in doing so. For instance, following the Rencontres de la télévision payante (pay television meeting) on 29 March 2010, the Conseil decided to give pay DTT a further chance, by awarding, on 16 December 2010, a license to channel C Foot. In addition, by means, in particular, of its decisions of 16 February 2010, and 18 May 2010, relating to product placement, and the broadcasting of on-line gaming operators’ commercial communications, the Conseil was keen to reconcile consumer protection with the need for private broadcasters to diversify their financial resources. Finally, through careful frequency management and the implementation of the FM+ plan, the occupation rate of the FM band was increased by 22 per cent, and 1,335 new frequencies were released, and subsequently awarded to all radio station categories.

The Conseil always keeps in mind that, under the law, its mission is to contribute to our country’s national, social, and territorial cohesion. Following a deliberation dated 10 November 2009, all broadcasters have decided to introduce, as early as 2010, diversity and no-setback (non-recul) clauses in programme order contracts, to raise awareness, and, more importantly, to deliver results visible on air. The outcome of the second and third rounds of the diversity survey (baromètre de la diversité), carried out in February and September of 2010, show that genuine, albeit slow, progress has been made. The Conseil is also satisfied that all channels have duly fulfilled their obligations in terms of accessibility under the law of 11 February 2005. Finally, through the adoption, on 14 December 2010, of a deliberation relating to the protection of young audiences on audiovisual media services, the Conseil adapted regulation to technological development.

Audiovisual regulation now takes place in a digital environment. Opposing such an inevitable technological revolution would be a fruitless endeavour. Rather, it is necessary to anticipate its impact, so as to preserve the economic balance, and the societal values of the audiovisual industry. The Conseil is ready to rise to the challenge, striving, always, to protect creative and entrepreneurial freedom.

Michel BOYON
Chairman of the CSA