France to launch CNN-style news channel in 2005

French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin announced Thursday at a news conference that France is to launch a CNN-style International Information (CII) channel in 2005, with a budget of 30 million euros (about 40 million dollars).

"I have decided to hold the common project made by (state-owned)France Televisions and (the private station) TF1. The new channel, wanted by President Jacques Chirac," Raffarin said.

The news channel was ordered by Chirac two years ago, and he hoped it could start in 2004, but the project has been delayed by arguments over its make-up, scale and cost.

Raffarin also said that the French government is set to make anamendment to the 2005 budget adopted by parliament to allow the channel to start with a budget of 30 million euros.

"The new channel will enjoy the advantages offered by France's leading television companies -- private and public -- in order to express the diversity to which our country is so deeply attached," Raffarin said.

Source: Xinhua