TV5MONDE TO EXPAND RELATIONSHIP WITH UNITED NATIONS AFTER SIGNING FOUR-YEAR

RENEWED AGREEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION OF LA FRANCOPHONIE

Channel to Support Language School Staff;

New Monitors to Show French News at Headquarters

Following today’s signing of a renewed agreement between the United Nations and the International Organisation of La Francophonie, delegates, non-governmental organizations, media and staff at Headquarters will continue to have access to the French-language television channel TV5MONDE for four more years.

Additionally, TV5MONDE and the United Nations have agreed that, in 2007, the channel will install three television screens in the main common areas of the United Nations, which will be tuned to the French-language news and entertainment channel and other relevant French language news programming.  

Also, United Nations Television and TV5MONDE are in discussions about expanding the channel’s use of United Nations-produced programming on all eight TV5MONDE feeds around the world, which would reach 171 million households.

In addition, TV5MONDE will offer support to the staff of the United Nations language school, to help them to use the channel to teach French to United Nations diplomats and staff.

“French is a working language of the United Nations and, as such, it is fitting that this major French TV news and information network be available at UN Headquarters for all to view, staff and delegates alike,” said Ahmad Fawzi, Director of the News and Media Division of the United Nations Department of Public Information.

“TV5MONDE is most pleased to be renewing its existing agreement with the UN, as well as to be expanding our relationship on several new fronts,” said Francois Bonnemain, President of TV5MONDE.  He added: “I cannot think of a more important audience for TV5MONDE to reach, and thereby showcase its diverse French-language content.”

The agreement, signed in New York by Mr. Fawzi and Mr. Bonnemain, ensures United Nations access to French-language programmes broadcast on TV5MONDE.  A partner of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, TV5MONDE consists of news, current affairs and information programmes.  Access to TV5MONDE will continue to be free of charge according to the agreement.

Established in 1970 with its headquarters in Paris, the 55-member International Organisation of La Francophonie is an institution based on the sharing of a common language and common values.

TV5MONDE is the only digital, global French-language network, broadcasting 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to more than 171 million households in 200 countries worldwide, making it the second largest global network in terms of subscribers.  In the United States, TV5MONDE USA is seen throughout the nation on cable systems belonging to Comcast, Time Warner, Cox and Adelphia, and on satellite via the DISH Network.  The channel’s United States headquarters is in Los Angeles.

TV5MONDE is seen on basic cable on seven different feeds: Africa, Latin America, Asia-South Pacific, Europe, France-Switzerland-Belgium, Orient and Quebec-Canada.  For more information about TVMONDE and its programming, please visit www.tv5.org/usa.

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For information media • not an official record