French viewers have for the first time watched prime-time television without advert breaks, as President Nicolas Sarkozy's media reforms got under way. Advertising is now banned on French public television between 2000 and 0600. It will be phased out by 2011. It is part of Mr Sarkozy's move to shake up public broadcasting. He says his plan will improve the quality of programming but critics say it is a power grab that will deprive state broadcasters of funds. France Televisions' board of directors chose to back the ban - which affects four main state-funded channels - last month.
French viewers have for the first time watched prime-time television without advert breaks, as President Nicolas Sarkozy's media reforms got under way.
Advertising is now banned on French public television between 2000 and 0600. It will be phased out by 2011.
It is part of Mr Sarkozy's move to shake up public broadcasting.
He says his plan will improve the quality of programming but critics say it is a power grab that will deprive state broadcasters of funds.
France Televisions' board of directors chose to back the ban - which affects four main state-funded channels - last month.
