French viewers prefer docs, says SCAM survey

French viewers have a preference for factual programming, according to a study by the country’s Civil Society of Multimedia Authors (SCAM).

Some 54% of respondents said they had a preference for documentary programmes, ahead of 50% for films, 49% for news and information, 38% for drama series and 29% for sports. Reality shows came last among the categories identified, meeting favour with only 4% of respondents.

Arte was identified by 45% of respondents as the channel with the best documentary programming, ahead of France 5 with 25% and France 3 with 22%. The documentary show most favoured by survey respondents was Le Monde du Silence by Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Louis Malle.