Strikers Force Popular TV Show Off the Air

Striking show business workers invaded the set of France’s most popular talent show and forced it off air, but the stunt fizzled when their spokesman suffered stage fright and went mute in front of millions of viewers.

The protest by artists and stagehands trying to block unemployment reforms forced the cancellation of TF1’s “Star Academy” after only five minutes. As the first contender appeared, about two dozen people rushed on stage and unfurled a banner -- upside-down -- reading, “Switch Off Your TVs.”

An unidentified representative came forward and started to read a statement, but then fell silent. TF1 switched to a movie.