Foreword

Against the backdrop of continuous technological upheavals, economic restructuring, and new demands on the part of audiences, like previous years, 2011 was particularly rich for the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel.

Analogue switch-off in the entire country, achieved on the date set under law, marked the completion of digital switch-over, under the primary leadership of the Conseil. Digital terrestrial television's (DTT) coverage rage is now at 97.3%, i.e., higher than required under law. A specific device has been set up to detect and process problems in a few sensitive areas. The continued success of DTT justified the announcement, on 18 October, of a call for tenders for six new frequencies. The most innovative, creative, and economically sound projects, will be favoured by the Conseil, to enrich the current programme supply, and guarantee financing of French original content and production in the future. 2011 also saw completion of the "FM+" Plan, which was launched in 2004, and released some 1,300 frequencies in total, i.e., a 22% gain.

2011 being a "pre-electoral" year, the Conseil, in a deliberation dated 4 January, used the opportunity to specify the principles that warrant respect for pluralism during all election periods. On 19 October, having noticed grave imbalances in political parties' speaking times, the Conseil served formal notices (mises en demeure) on five editors. On 30 November, the Conseil adopted a deliberation setting forth rules to apply specifically to the presidential election. Regular surveys between January and May 2012 showed the rules to be efficient in the context of a profusion of images and increased media pressure.

In furtherance of its other functions under law, the Conseil also devoted its attention to meeting expectations on the part of the public, the industry, and society. A reflection committee on programme development trends was set up; it has already made recommendations to enhance protection of young audiences and reality shows' contestants. On November 7, the Conseil introduced the new youth-suitability rating system campaign, taking on-board recent societal change, such as: screen ubiquity; or children being confronted with images on their own. On 27 April, a second deliberation relating to on-line gambling was adopted, affording better prevention against addiction, and achieving a balance between freedom and responsibility.

The Conseil also reasserted its determination to contribute to France's national, social, and territorial cohesion. The 2011 diversity survey figures (baromètre de la diversité) show progress in on-air representation of background diversity. Editors have made specific commitments in this regard, such as: systematic casting of actors with a diverse background; increased female representation amongst TV personalities; or broadcasting of original series on disability. On 12 December, programme accessibility entered a new, more quality-centred phase, with the signature of a charter relating to subtitling quality, focusing on lay-out harmonisation, and spell checking.

As the first European organisation to broach the sensitive issue of connected TVs, the Conseil also did "spadework". On 28 April 2011, the whole industry was invited to participate in a symposium, to assess connected TVs' potential, in relation to content exposure, in particular, but also, possible impact on the industry's economic balance. Reflection on the issue will continue at the Conseil in 2012, through a permanent body, with an increased focus on the operational perspective, and favouring an experience-based approach. The objective is to offer solutions to needs expressed by the industry and viewers alike. Protection afforded to the public and, in particular, to minors in respect of audiovisual content, must be consistent and homogeneous, whatever the medium.

In performing its charges, in full compliance with the law, the Conseil is relentless in defending freedom: freedom to communicate, quite naturally, but also, to inform, create, express a different opinion or sensitivity, undertake, learn, improve, or be part of France's cultural diversity.

Michel BOYON
Chairman