Trying To Be Like The Beeb

The BBC's international reach is the envy of broadcasters and governments throughout the rest of Europe. BBC World, the Corporation's international news channel, is now seen in 273 million households in more than 200 countries, up from 24 million homes when it was launched in 1995. BBC America is in 37 million U.S. homes. Though both channels accept advertising, neither yet makes money. Losses are declining, however, and BBC America is expected to break even next year. Now France and Germany are trying to crack the international TV-news market, too.

French President Jacques Chirac declared 18 months ago...