Le Journal No Longer Available with Subtitles

January 7, 2008

The producers of Le Journal are no longer providing subtitles for the 7 PM newscast. While MHz Networks regrets notification of this information, the decision was not one MHz had control over.

In communication detailing the decision, France 2 explains, "We are aware that this decision, which has been postponed several times in past years is a disappointment to you. However, after much negotiation and with great regret, France 2 has no other choice. The service was maintained in 2007 at the request of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and thanks to a grant from that institution, which has decided not to renew the funding in 2008."

The communication continues to note that the decision to terminate captioning became inevitable due to budgetary constraints. France 2 encourages viewers to seek English and French news programming available via France 24 on Internet, satellite and cable.

With a committment to English-accessible programs in prime-time, MHz Networks will add a half-hour broadcast from France 24 (in English), starting January 14 at 7 PM. Many viewers are already familiar with this 24/7 news service that has been available for several months on one of the MHz Networks digital streams. We hope all our viewers will find this broadcast as enlightening as Le Journal.  

MHz NETWORKS (MHz and MHz2) is an independent, noncommercial television broadcaster delivering international, educational and arts programming. MHz provides diverse cultural perspectives for a globally minded audience. Serving the Washington, DC area's 4.9 million residents, MHz NETWORKS features programs from around the world on air and online in more than 20 different languages. MHz has studio facilities in Falls Church, VA, and at Washington, DC's Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. For more information, visit www.mhznetworks.org.