The French Broadcasting System In North America

Two hundred stations, many of them independent, aired up to five weekly series supplied by the French Broadcasting System in North America (FBS). Produced in Paris with English-speaking announcers, these shows reflected an unlikely alliance between French and American producers, talent, and U.S. independent broadcasters seeking variety and access to international programs. Many performances were recording using various conductors and soloists at the Paris L'O.R.T.F. The records would be sent to participating radio stations with a paper transcript, and each program has a short English language introduction before the piece is played. FBS ceased providing these programs in 1974, when France dissolved its public broadcast monopoly. Several of these musical works were recorded for the first time - or only once - for this program.