RTBFs

RTBF, or Radio-Télévision Belge de la Communauté Française, is the public service broadcaster for the French-speaking Community of Belgium. It operates radio, television and online services with a remit to inform, educate and entertain, while reflecting regional diversity and cultural life. The broadcaster’s radio networks include La Première, VivaCité and Classic 21; its television channels are La Une and La Trois. RTBF also offers on-demand content and streaming through RTBF Auvio, its digital platform for live and archived programs.

Organization and remit provide the framework for RTBF’s operations. The organization is governed by a board of directors appointed by the Parliament of the French Community, with a Director-General as chief executive responsible for day-to-day management and for upholding editorial independence. Public-service obligations guide programming across news, current affairs, culture, children’s and educational content, with an emphasis on accessibility and local relevance.

History and status reflect Belgium’s linguistic and institutional evolution. RTBF traces its roots to the public broadcasting system established in the region, evolving through reforms in the mid-20th century to become the French-speaking public broadcaster in the context of Belgium’s language-based federalization. RTBF is a member of the European Broadcasting Union and participates in international co-productions and exchange of news and cultural programming.

Funding and governance place RTBF within the framework of public-service media. It relies primarily on public funds from the French Community of Belgium, with additional income from limited commercial activities and sponsorship governed by public-service rules. RTBF’s output aims to serve diverse audiences, promote cultural expression, and provide reliable information for French-speaking Belgians and online audiences beyond borders.