27/11/2002 - Culture minister tones down reactions to the Kriegel Report. "Cinema is unlike any other audiovisual product"

The French minister for culture and communications, Jean-Jacques Aillagon spoke out yesterday in answer to the controversial findings of the Kriegel Report into violence on television that was published a fortnight ago.
Speaking on behalf of the French government Aillagon began by reassuring film industry operators that TV networks would continue to be allowed to air four films a year – each rated “12-and over” at prime time. However he specified that this authorisation means TV channels must "favour films of authentic artistic quality over violent ones” and added that the issue would be on the agenda of a scheduled meeting between representatives of the networks and the CSA - Superior Audiovisual Council. Aillagon also said that the CSA will be given additional powers to levy fines.
Furthermore, he said that the French film classification commission will remain unvaried both in its composition and functions. This contradicts the recommendations contained in the Kriegel Report that the Commission's range of activities would be extended to include all formats, including DVD and videogames. The minister said that the Commission will continue to specialise in cinema. Aillagon was most emphatic that “cinema is different from other audiovisual programmes because films are created to be seen first and foremost by an audience in a cinema as a result of a conscious choice made by the spectator. Furthermore there are sufficient regulations already in place that allow each individual to make a clear and informed choice.” In an effort to calm the situation, the minister asked the CNC (Centre Nationale de Cinématografie) to prepare a careful analysis of the way in which the current film classification commission works, and investigate the possibility of setting up a new commission specific to the DVD and videogames sectors.

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(Translated from French)