French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants France 4 to continue broadcasting.
The channel had been expected to close in April, but in a message published on Twitter, Macron said he wanted the channel to “continue its mission” around youth and education.
“France 4, the channel for entertainment and education, has taken on a special place in people’s homes, particularly since the pandemic. I want it to continue its mission around two axes: youth during the day, culture in the evening, to extend the success of the Culturebox experience,” he wrote.
Another objective seems to be to maintain the channel’s slot on the DTT network.
Initially, it had been proposed to shut France 4 in Summer 2020 with the channel moving to on demand delivery. The plan was part of a cost-cutting scheme for public broadcaster France Télévisions. It was later granted a one-year reprieve after acclaim for its educational programmes broadcast during lockdown.
“I thank the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron. It is a mark of confidence for the public service and its employees who work every day to serve our viewers. We are very honoured to continue this mission for young people and culture,” Delphine Ernotte, president of France Télévisions, in a Twitter response Tuesday.
Earlier this month, 40 senators from all sides of the House called on MPs to “confirm” an amendment voted by the upper house to keep the channel alive.
