French view of the world to counteract the "unified, Anglo-Saxon" outlook of the U.S. and Britain. The idea was strengthened during the controversy over the Iraq war, and Chirac is saying that he wants to be the defender of a "multipolar" world from the dominance of US culture.
The project is named France 24, and will be 50% owned by state-owned France Television and commercial television company TF1. Launch may be ready for early December 2006. Facilities will be in Paris.
Alain de Pouzilhac, the station's chief executive said: "We're going to emphasise all the differences of the world, in contrast to the Anglo-Saxons who only show a unified vision of the world. Diversity, debate, culture, the art of living are going to be the hallmarks of France 24 and that's going to provide a different point of view from the Anglo-Saxon world."
Like it or not, Arab News stations like Al Jazeera has shown the way for others to follow. That, along with lower barriers-to-entry, has opened the field to many more competitors.
Some aren't impressed with the idea behind it all as some Arab commentators say it's only French imperialism in disguise.
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