French media granted Web adverts on TV

Suzanna Kerridge, Paris correspondent

The French regulator for the audiovisual industry, the CSA, has opened the way to allow the French media to advertise their Web sites on the television. In a statement the CSA acknowledged the "activities of the Internet constituted a new and specific market," and although the decision has been made, the situation will be reviewed in 18 months time. Since March 1992, television stations, cinemas and publishing houses have only been able to advertise their Web presence in the press. The decision by the council to open the market is a blow to local newspapers and radio stations that fear the loss of revenue.