This article discusses a planned strike in the public audiovisual media sector in France, affecting Radio France, France Télévisions, France Médias Monde, and the Institut national de l’audiovisuel (INA). The strike is in response to the government’s proposed merger of these entities into a single enterprise, with a holding company established in 2025 and full merger planned for 2026. The proposed reform of the governance of public audiovisual media has sparked criticism and opposition from employees and journalists who fear the potential negative impacts of such a merger on the quality and independence of public broadcasting.
Many employees, including journalists, presenters, producers, technicians, and musicians, have expressed their concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the government’s merger plan. A petition signed by over 1,100 Radio France employees condemns the proposed merger as demagogic, ineffective, and dangerous. There are fears that such a consolidation of public broadcasting entities could undermine the diversity and quality of programming, as well as jeopardize the independence and integrity of public media outlets. The rush to push through the merger without adequate debate has raised questions about the democratic implications of such a significant change in the media landscape.
The government’s efforts to fast-track the merger plan have intensified opposition from employees and journalists who feel that their voices are not being heard in the decision-making process. The rapid examination of key amendments in the cultural affairs committee has added to the sense of disbelief and concern among stakeholders. There are doubts about the feasibility of merging 15,000 employees within two years, with concerns about the potential impacts on working conditions, job security, and the overall effectiveness of public broadcasting services. The lack of consultation and dialogue with stakeholders has further fueled discontent and resistance to the government’s reform agenda.
While the government aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency through the merger of public broadcasting entities, critics argue that such a move could have detrimental consequences for media diversity, pluralism, and editorial independence. There are calls for a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process that takes into account the perspectives and concerns of employees, journalists, and other stakeholders in the public media sector. The strike planned for Thursday and Friday signals the growing discontent and opposition to the government’s plan to consolidate and restructure the public audiovisual media sector in France. The outcome of this struggle will have far-reaching implications for the future of public broadcasting in the country.
