PARIS, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- "France 24," the first French 24-hour international news service, was launched Wednesday to make the country's voice heard on the world.

    The state-owned news service launched its website, with three languages - French, English and Arab - in a ceremony held in the Tuileries Garden in Paris Wednesday evening.

    The televised broadcast is set to make its debut on Thursday, starting the head-to-head competition with BBC and CNN.

    "France 24" will transmit its programs to Europe, the Middle East and Africa via satellite, reaching more than 90 countries.

    The service is aimed at providing the audience with an alternative in the news service market and covering the international news with France's voice, "France 24" CEO Alain de Pouzilhac said.