TV and Radio

TELEVISION

France has 5 public television channels that are available for free. Arte offers some English-language programmes and feature films, as do many satellite, digital and cable television providers.

Satellite television is available with a shared or individual satellite dish. The main provider, CANALSAT, offers over 300 channels.

There is also a network of digital television (télévision numérique) called TNT. Programming is free, but access requires a decoder.

Every household must pay the annual television license (redevance audiovisuelle).

If you buy a television in France, the vendor will automatically declare it to the authorities, who will then bill you annually for the local services tax (taxe d'habitation).

If you bring your television with you when you move to France, you must declare it to the local office of the Trésor Public, or risk a fine.

RADIO

You can receive the BBC World Service on short wave, while the main BBC stations and other English-language radio can be received via many satellite TV installations.

Voice of America is also available on short wave, and Radio France International offers news and programmes in English.

Many international radio stations stream live on the Internet. You may need to download the free version of RealPlayer to receive them.

Explore the BBC Radio stations and Voice of America.