It is a leader in the area of the internet. The historical importance of the British Empire results in an interest in, and presence of information from people in other countries. France has a very developed telephone system. It is rapidly pursuing a place on the internet, but their language puts the country and its citizens at somewhat of a disadvantage. So people in France have some access to people both within and outside the country's borders.
History also suggests some interest in international affairs.
The government not only exercised strict control over domestic programming, but also tried to limit citizens' exposure to outside material. Since the revolution, however, Russia and the former members of the Soviet Union have moved toward a more western European model of broadcasting. The former Soviet Union and Russia have a somewhat less developed telephone system. Although its place on the internet is rapidly expanding, the limited telephone system, limited capital for investment, and their language and alphabet put them at a disadvantage. As a result, although there is an interest in international information, Russians have somewhat limited access to people outside the country's borders.