The French public broadcaster France Televisions is to push ahead with an expansion of high definition and digital terrestrial services following the approval of a new five-year budget. €21 million has already been set aside for the launch of a high definition version of France 3 this September.
The French State has agreed to a 3.5% increase for 2008, and further increases expected to reach 2.9% in 2009 and 2.6% in 2010. The budget, which will now be submitted to the financial and cultural committees of the French National Assembly, also commits to continued support for French and European productions.