PARIS, June 26: The French government on Thursday fought off accusations it was tightening its grip on public television after President Nicolas Sarkozy unveiled major changes.

Sarkozy announced that the head of France Televisions would be named by the government instead of by an independent body as part of an overhaul that will see the end of advertising on the network’s five channels from next year.

The opposition Socialists said the change was a “serious blow to the independence of the media,” and the media watchdog group Reporters Sans Frontieres (RSF) described it as “unacceptable.” Responding to the attacks, Culture Minister Christine Albanel said: “There are enough safety locks in place and oversight so that we cannot say that this is a government takeover.

“This is absurd. It is absolutely not the goal of the law,” Albanel said in an interview with France Info radio.

She argued that it was “logical for the shareholder to name France Televisions’ executives” and that the nomination process would be “completely monitored in a democratic way.” The head of France TV had until now been appointed by the CSA broadcasting council, a nine-member body named by the president and two parliament speakers.

Under the new rules, the executive will appoint the president of France Televisions after receiving proposals from the CSA and on condition the choice is backed by a majority of members of parliament. The move drew fire from within cabinet ranks with the junior minister for Europe Jean-Pierre Jouyet remarking: “To say it clearly, I would have preferred that he be named by parliament.”—AFP