Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Revolution at France Televisions!


I know my British visitors will find it normal, but it may come as a surprise to the American ones (as for the others, I'd like to know), as of today, there will be no more advertising between 8 pm and 6 am on the French public television! Consequence: for the first time in 40 years or so (when advertising on TV was introduced in France) prime time programs started tonight at 8:35 instead of 8:50 / 55. It's only 20 minutes, but it makes a huge difference, especially for the private channels who are likely to lose market share... Some people say the Public television will lose too much funding because of this new rule, but I hope not, because, let me tell you, it's really cool not to have to wait for the advertising to stop before watching the programs.

58 comments:

  1. Cool way to tell us that there will be no more advertising from 8 - 6, by giving us a photo of an ad! Nice looking people though.

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  2. Ads on television are typical in Canada, and over the past few years, we've started seeing them in movie theatres, too - which is VERY frustrating.

    Is this typical?

    ps. I'm still loving the first Maillol photo of the year! Thanks for that.

    Barbscoot

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  3. It will be interesting to see what happens. Public TV in the US never has any advertising and as a result they run frequent fundraisers which can be as irritating as ads!

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  4. Oh! I thought this was Lynn' wish to see a fashionably clothed Maillol!

    I hate ads. One of the reasons I don't watch regular tv programs. And why I listen to public radio.

    It will be interesting to watch the financial consequences of this policy--on both private and public stations.

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  5. No commercials?? That is a stunning and wonderful idea! (But then, when will you get a snack or go to the wash room?)

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  6. I'd like to say something clever but you've said it all, Eric.

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  7. I love watching TV without commercials, though sometimes it's nice to have a break to use the restroom or get a snack! I know, I am a typical American!
    Loved your Sculpture photos Eric.
    ; )

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  8. I'm more surprised that French public television ran commercials for so long than the fact that they are stopping!

    newwine has a point with the fundraisers. They call them "pledge drives" and guess what? They are usually sponsored by companies like McDonalds and MetLife Insurance. Sponsoring is just advertising under the guise of charity. You won't be able to escape it entirely.

    I like this photo, Eric. It has real movement to it.

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  9. I hate the PBS fundraisers. I would rather see commercials than those beg-fests.

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  10. Okay, let me be silly: et la pause pipi?!
    Désolée. :)

    It won't change anything to me, I've no TV. And I'm quite fed up with all the debates around this ads stuff...

    But Frenchies, don't you think that 8.35 is a little bit early to start a film? People are supposed to eat at 8.30, aren't they?..

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  11. Katie, that's not really an ad, that's the France 5 and France O's programs.

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  12. But Frenchies, don't you think that 8.35 is a little bit early to start a film? People are supposed to eat at 8.30, aren't they?..

    Guille, it only takes 5 minutes to inhale a Big Mac!

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  13. lol Guille, le pause pipi! You should have gone before it started!

    We are not used to advertising on the BBC at all, though they spend some time advertising their own shows, so it amounts to the same thing, IMO. Adverts are omnipresent on other stations and, though some are really clever and funny, they are annoying, especially when repeated so many times that you know each word, song, frame...
    The worst I find is Sky News, when sometimes interesting news pieces are cut short to go to the ads. Doesn't matter how important the news, either.
    I agree with Christie too though; sometimes we need to powder our noses... blush...

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  14. 8.30 is a bit late for me to eat, ideally, Guille. Usually we eat at 7.00 or 7.30 (I'm talking regular meals at home. Dinner out is different of course; later). Anyone else? lol.

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  15. Ads on tv are the main reason we don't subscribe to any tv services. Pay for cable and then have to sit through commercials?? Plus there is nothing worthwhile on anyway!
    Drives me crazy that they now have commercials when you go to see a movie!
    Cool photo though Eric. Happy New Year!

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  16. I do hope Eric has a snowy picture for us! I have just seen a quick shot of La Tour Eiffel sous la neige on Euronews and she looks lovely.

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  17. What a brilliant rule! I wish we could have that here. We only have one station that is advertising free and it gets around that by advertising its own programs! We don't have cable TV (although we do have the satellite dish in case we want to connect it) so it's a pain in the neck watching TV these days and mostly we don't bother unless there is something really interesting on.

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  18. They are everywhere. Even my cart at the market has a little TV inside!

    Oh, I eat around 6:30pm, Lynn. I don't have a choice really, as I don't do the cooking. Lucky me!

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  19. I'm sure you know but American TV has way too much advertising. It's loud, obnoxious, annoying, much of it pretty silly, and most of the time doesn't even have entertainment value or any trace of creativity. Enough to drive you up the wall!

    I'm almost exclusively watching PBS now, because they don't have ads (or very, very little, between the programs, kind of like in France). In fact, if it wasn't for PBS, I would probably drag my TV outside on the sidewalk.

    True, you can always purchase premium programing like HBO, Showtime, if you want to bypasss all that commercial crap, but the cost is prohibitive (well, I think so). Considering the quality of most of the channels on basic cable and considering that the cable providers are a near monopoly, I think the price should be made to be very low indeed.

    The soap box is free now. :)

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  20. PS> PBS (for those of you who don't live in the States) is the "public tv" which means they don't have commercial adds. But they do have fundraisers, as anonyme up there mentioned, because they function with donated funds.

    Personally, I don't like these fundraisers either, but I use them to get caught up with reading, paperwork, surf the net, whatever. And occasionally, I give some, when I can, because PBS has really good programming. This year, donations are probably way down, so we'll probably see more fundraiser evenings.

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  21. Well, Public Broadcasting in the US may not have any advertisements but almost every show is either introduced or ended by talking about the company who "graciously provided funding", and they do advertise their own programs. So, I agree that it's almost the same thing. The only good thing about the pledge drives is that they re-run some really good shows. The pledge intervals are long enough to leave the room and go do something else for a while.

    I don't have cable because I can't see paying to watch TV but still having to sit through the ads.

    A question - isn't 8:35 an odd time to begin a show? Wouldn't the exact hour or half hour be easier?

    Joanna

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  22. I can understand why tv viewers would think it "cool not to have to wait for advertising to stop." Personally, since I really don't watch tv, it's a moot point. Nevertheless, merci Eric for the latest info on public tv in France.

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  23. Interesting post, Eric (comme toujours).
    My first thought was the same as Guille's: What about bathroom breaks? I remember when they started showing ads on TV in France. (My roommate and I rented a TV, but only for a few months in the winter)—personally, I was glad for the pause pipi or the chance to go get something to drink. On the other hand, ads in the movie theaters are totally unfair. Oh, wait—I'm paying for TV too, so it's all unfair. At least there's PBS (and I don't mind the pledge drives too much, because they show such great stuff at those times).
    BTW, haven't been here in days, so Happy New Year a tout le monde!

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  24. Here's an ad: I'll be in Paris in May. Before that, yes! I'll be in the Los Angeles area Feb 12. (Just booked both trips.)

    Eeek I have no idea how to use the CDP blog forum. If anyone wants to do that, let me know how. Otherwise, I think you LA people know Petrea and Carrie, n'est-ce pas? Contact them and we'll start e-planning for a gathering. Maybe we'll see ads on tv at the bar!

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  25. One of the things I've always loved about France! I hadn't thought about "la pause pipi" until Guille mentioned it, so now I'm worried! Of course, too much television will rot the mind, which is why I choose to rot mine on the internet! ;-)

    Great news Jeff! See you in May! And is there a PDP Picnic in the works as well Eric?

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  26. Jeff, Petrea, Carrie and others...I've started a discussion for you on the CDP Portal:


    Forums index » Public Forums » Travel » Visiting Los Angeles

    I won't add a direct link as I think you'll have to log in, but hope that helps!

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  27. That would be amazing. If something like that happens here, I am sure I would single out those programs and catch only those. :)

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  28. This discussion interests me, as I've spent many years working in the television business.

    It's clear no one here likes advertising, but it's a necessary evil. Programming does not come free or even cheap. It's expensive to create a television show, even a bad one. If you want good programming, someone has to pay for it. Your subscription is not enough. You've got to have some form of advertising, even if it's just underwriting. The writers, actors, costumers, make-up people, lighting crew, set builders, camera people, electricians, producers, assistants, etc. have to be paid. You can't expect them to work for free. People in our business are already struggling to feed their families, just like people in many other businesses. We are not all Angelina Jolies and Brad Pitts.

    It's not necessary for every TV actor to have imported champagne and caviar, in fact I've never been on a set where anyone was coddled in that way. Just putting everything together at a minimum is expensive enough.

    Television in America is going through huge changes, and the Screen Actors Guild is embroiled in a battle with the producers over revenues (once again). Things are moving to the internet, the producers don't want to pay actors for internet use. Should we be expected to work for nothing? I still have a car payment. I still need to buy groceries. Advertising may well be that bottom line, folks.

    Sorry. That was a bit long, but heartfelt.

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  29. Did you run while you took this photo, Eric? Or is it just the angle that gives it a action touch...lol.

    I know you're SO right Petrea, and of course the money have to come from somewhere, but like Sherry the advertising is the main reason we don't have cable TV, and that we don't watch much TV either.

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  30. I agree with guille...aren't the Frenchies supposed to be eating at 8:35PM??? LOL!!!!

    I streamlined my cable a long time ago and only have the basic[which includes PBS]and TV5 Monde. I am usually home only a couple of nights a week and the French movies on TV5 usually start at 5:30PM[which is 8:30PM in New York]so if I want to watch a movie on TV5 I usually have to wait until 9:30PM or 10:30PM anyway. Most network TV in America is pure trash these days...and the ads..Oh Mon Dieu!!

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  31. BTW Petrea, it was very interesting with some inside knowledge, thank you !

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  32. Petrea, that's nice to have the inside point of view, thx!

    "Guille, it only takes 5 minutes to inhale a Big Mac",
    Aahhh! French don't eat Big Mac for dinner USelaine!! When it happens, (and if it happens) it's on sunday afternoon, after a hangover and because we're too lazy to cook... LOL

    Lynn, I think you eat a little earlier than we do.
    Last week in Olso I was amazed to notice that Norwegian eat between 5.30 and 6. To me, that's more tea time...

    Alexa, Happy New Year!

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  33. A great inside perspective Petrea! My probably impossible solution?? Have the cable/satellite/etc companies who charge an outrageous fortune for their services actually pay a portion of the programming fees.

    I think my biggest beef about advertising (since I don't have tv service) is PAYING money to go to a movie only to now be bombarded with 15 minutes of advertisements. I hate that and now only go to the movies a few times a year because of it...I would rather wait for it to come out on dvd where I can skip all the unnecessary blather and get right to what I have paid to see, the actual film.

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  34. Petrea it's good to get your view and I agree. Trouble is, some of our presenters alone are paid ridiculous amounts. Jonathan Ross, chat show host albeit for the BBC (which we pay a licence fee for) is paid £18m p.a. So there are some ridiculous wages out there. I do agree with your point though.

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  35. To me, too, Guille. Some people in the UK eat around 5.30 too! It tends to be mainly workers I think, you know, physical workers who start very early in the morning and arrive home at around 4 pm.

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  36. Guille, how funny you mention that you were amazed how early they eat in Norway. I think it's very Scandinavian - we eat that early in Denmark too. When I'm in Paris, or other southern European places,I'm not hungry any more, when it's finally time for dinner LOL.

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  37. Great, but when Iare we supposed to go to the lavatory, from now on?

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  38. We should do something like that in Spain!

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  39. I think it will just make the commercial channels improve their programmes.
    In England a lot of channels also face the problems of gadgets such as Sky +, which allows you to record up to two programmes at the time. You watch them when you want and then when the ads come you just fast forward...

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  40. The same thing's happening here (like Sky TV). We have Tivo or DVRs, where people can record programs and skip commercials. Producers and advertisers are terrified.

    The high salaries the producers pay themselves are another problem. It's like the banking industry - the producers hold the purse strings and pay themselves huge salaries and bonuses, while paying little attention to quality and driving their companies into the ground. Meanwhile, as Tonton complains, Network TV gets worse and worse, filled with "reality" programs and talk shows, because they're cheap to produce.

    The best dramas and comedies (albeit low budget) are independently produced and/or on the internet these days, because the artists are producing them. The studios have become behemoths that rarely put out a quality product anymore, because they're not run by artists but by bean-counters who answer to shareholders.

    It's all up for grabs. Hollywood will never be the same.

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  41. Petrea, great comments and I understand your concern.

    However, it is still unfair to sit us down for hours and make us go through commercials every 20 minutes, so you end up wasting 3 hours of your time just to watch a movie (not in its full version, of course, but censored and edited to "fit within the time frame" )

    Don't even get me started with the censorship in US TV's!!!

    I can't stand American "commercial" TV because it's made to cater to an audience with ADD. Yes, advertising is a necessary evil, and "bathroom breaks" BETWEEN the programs would be fine, but as it is now, they break your momentum constantly, and that is quite unpleasant and annoying.

    TiVo is expensive too, since you not only have to pay for the equipment but also have to pay every month for the subscription. In addition, you have to pay the cable company as well for basic cable.

    I thought TV was supposed to be cheap entertainment for the masses, so why all the fees?!! ;)

    And what do you pay for exactly?

    Stupid sit-coms with laugh tracks every 20 seconds, "reality" TV, and other equally boring and stupid stuff.

    The news are filtered and practically all owned by that Rupert person, and there is pratically nothing of substance left for us to watch by the time they broadcast it ...

    I feel sorry for the actors, on the other hand, they might have to do what the rest of us are doing whenever our jobs become redundant and/or obsolete due to changing technology(ies) and/or economy: adapt and/or r-etrain accordingly. I know it sounds harsh but it's reality, if you think about it.

    You know after all that, I better write a check to PBS!

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  42. On the flipside I also heard to bridge the shortfall people who have computers and use the Internet will be taxed (or perhaps the ISP's will be taxed and therefore pass on the costs to the customers which ultimately is the same difference). If this does happen, it doesn't seem terribly fair when you have the Internet (without TV receiving capabilities) and no television at all (speaking for myself!)

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  43. Jeff - Merci for the eek! Michael - merci for the assist!! I had no idea how to use the blasted thing either. Now, we'll see.

    Tomate - LOL "that rupert person". Petrea - yes, thanks for the reality check. There's no free lunch.

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  44. Aargh. I'm once again baffled by the compumonsters. It seems one does have to log into CDP Forum to post, and when I tried it told me my name was incorrect. If anyone has better success, let me know.

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  45. Absolutely, Tomate! Write a check to PBS, go see an independent film, etc. I don't watch that crap either.

    Support the arts. That's a good solution. You don't have to watch "entertainment" you don't enjoy. All I'm saying is that the entertainment you DO enjoy is not free. Just as you must be paid for your work, so must the entertainers be paid for theirs.

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  46. Michael, thanks for setting up the thing on the CDP forum. I tried to post there, I'm no good at it. (It's only my second or third time. First time I got scolded so I stay away!) So here's an update: Jeff is coming to the LA area 2/12-2/16. We'll set up a get-together time that weekend (probably Sunday, so lovers can keep Friday and Saturday Valentines to themselves). This meeting will likely take place on the west side, as Jeff will be staying in the south beach area.

    Carrie, Jeff and I will keep you posted here. You can also email me by clicking on my name in comments, and going to my blog. An email link is there on the left.

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  47. Phew! I'm not the only one who doesn't understand the forum! Yay.

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  48. I also find that Netflix is a good supplement, instead of paying for premium cable because they have tons of movies, including foreign movies and indies and are really pretty reliable. Plus, you can stream some of their movies when you are waiting for movies in the mail. But after February 09, we'll see what happens because when we move to digital the cable packages may change. ???

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  49. Petrea! Je t'aime! Sunday would work well, good thinking. Eeek, I didn't consider it being the Valentine's Day weekend. (Mon Dieu, c'est pitoyable, n'est-ce pas?)

    And, I promise that when we meet, we will ban advertising after 8 pm!

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  50. Petrea - no need to update me here - we all have each other's email!

    (But, I agree, good thinking on avoiding Valentine's Day Sat and Sun, Petrea - I didn't think of it either.) A plus tard.....

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  51. Maybe Valentine's doesn't matter to those of us who love Paris. Every day is Valentine's day!

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  52. Quite interesting that the television networks are willing to give up advertising during the most lucrative timeslots. In Australia we have three commercial networks that are privately owned. They receive no public funding, so I can't see how they could survive and keep producing Australian programs, if such a law was introduced here. Our main public broadcaster is free of advertisements (although promotions for their own programs and products are allowed) but the network struggles to attract as many viewers as the 3 commercial networks. The other public broadcaster was also free of advertisements until a couple of years ago. They have now been allowed to carry advertisments (supposedly to increase the amount and quality of programs produced by that network) but limit the number and frequency.

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  53. Gary my partner worked for the BBC,The politcal cartoonist still does freelance artwork and one of the reason the BBC pay a lower salary is that they don't carry advertising.If he works for another TV channel that carried advertising he gets 4 times as much salary per image.

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  54. This is something that Sarkozy pusher hard for, I believe. Which seems odd to me. Perhaps someone can explain?

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  55. En fait, il n'y a pas si longtemps, la première partie de soirée commençait à 20 h 35 : dans les années 70 et 80 c'était comme ça je m'en souviens. Puis, il y a eu l'apparition des chaînes privées en 87 et peu à peu les programmes ont reculé à 20 h 45 et enfin il y a peut-être 10 ans à 20 h 50 / 20 h 55.
    Pendant ce temps Arte n'a jamais eu de pub et son programme commençait à 20 h 45.

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  56. I always like watching the ad breaks on the foreign channels that I can receive on my tv.
    I live in Holland, but I can actually watch France 2 here. Even though i don't understand French, I always lingered at that network, when an ad break would come up.

    This might seem weird to many people, but I always thought it was a neat way of sampling the current pop culture of a country.
    I'll also miss those cute bumpers they have for the ad breaks, with the "dum dum dum" jingle.

    I have the same thing with print advertising. Whenever I'm in Paris I always like to look at billboards. Especially the gigantic ones in the metrostations.

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  57. I should probably also have added that Sarkozy's media tycoon friends (like the owner of commercial station TF1) stand to profit from all of this.

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  58. What a great idea! Why don't they do that here in Aus? =(

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