MUMBAI: France 24 has said Bon jour to Indian pubcaster?s Prasar Bharati??s direct to home television service. Created to propagate the French government?s viewpoint globally, France 24, will be available on DD Direct Plus from 1 November 2013. The channel is available in most of Africa, west Asia, Europe and in some cities in the US.

The agreement was signed by French 24 vice-president Eric Cremmer and Doordarshan?s additional director general Ranjan P Thakur on 17 July.

The agreement, says a Prasar Bharati press release, is a step by DD towards fulfilling its public service mandate to develop knowledge, broaden horizons and enable people to better understand themselves and also showcase the diverse culture of France in order to serve the interest of the larger Indian audience.This apart, sources say, Prasar Bharati will be pocketing close to Rs 1.5 crore every year as part of a carriage fee deal with France24.

France 24 is an international news and current affairs telecasting 24x7 public broadcaster based in Paris, which covers international current events from a French perspective and conveys French values throughout the world.

DD Direct Plus is India?s one only free DTH service from the service broadcaster with a bouquet of 59 channels.