Fury in France as Sarkozy bans adverts from state TV...

One of Nicolas Sarkozy's most visible, and most controversial, attempts to transform the French way of life will take effect from 8pm tonight. Advertising will vanish from prime-time on all state-owned television channels as part of an attempt by the President to create, in his own words, a public television service to "rival the quality of the BBC". More...

See also:

1. France: outrage at police treatment of a journalist...
2. French television: Is Sarkozy doing a Berlusconi?
3. What happens when you don't turn on the TV for a week?