A "CNN, a la Francaise." to compete with the real CNN and the BBC is in the works, Julio Godoy of the Inter Press Service reports.

The government has allocated 90 million dollars for the project in the budget for next year. But the project is expected to cost more. "If France really wants to influence world opinion and compete with CNN and the BBC, it would have to invest at least 110 million dollars," Francois Rochebloine, member of parliament and expert in international media told IPS.

Other experts believe the costs will be even higher. Hervé Bourges, former director of the state agency for media development, says an international channel would cost at least 150 million dollars a year.

"If we French want a competitive international information channel, we ought to have a strong team of correspondents around the world, with broadcasting units everywhere," Bourges said at a press conference. "Such a channel costs money, more than 150 million dollars a year." Without strong investment "we would make fools of ourselves," he said.