The French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, has been working on consolidating the public audiovisual sector, which includes France Télévisions, Radio France, France Médias Monde (FMM), and the Institut national de l’audiovisuel (INA). There are discussions about bringing these entities under one umbrella organization, known as “France Médias”, with the aim of creating a stronger public broadcasting sector. The proposed restructuring is based on a bill introduced by Senator Laurent Lafon, which has passed the Senate and is set to be discussed in the National Assembly in May.
The proposed holding company, France Médias, would consist of four subsidiaries – France Télévisions, Radio France, FMM, and INA – with the state holding the majority of the shares. The president of France Médias would be appointed for a five-year term by the President of France, based on the recommendation of the board of directors and following regulatory approvals. This represents a shift in the appointment process, as the power to appoint the heads of public broadcasting entities was previously held by the regulator.
The primary goal of the proposed restructuring is to strengthen the public broadcasting sector in order to counter the influence of social media and digital giants. Proponents of the merger argue that a unified public broadcasting entity would be better equipped to compete and uphold a common cultural narrative in a divided society. Delphine Ernotte, CEO of France Télévisions, believes that by joining forces, the collective power of the entities would be greatly increased. This consolidation is also seen as a way to ensure that public broadcasting continues to serve as a vital source of information and cultural representation.
The consolidation of the public audiovisual sector in France is seen as a response to the changing media landscape, where traditional media outlets are facing increased competition from digital platforms. By creating a unified entity, France hopes to maintain a strong public broadcasting sector that can effectively compete with tech giants and maintain its relevance in a digital age. The proposed restructuring is also seen as a way to promote a shared cultural identity and combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms.
The proposed merger of public broadcasting entities in France is part of a broader trend in Europe, where countries like the UK, Belgium, Spain, and Italy have already united their public broadcasting services. By consolidating its public broadcasting sector, France aims to strengthen its position as a leading cultural and media player in the European landscape. The proposed reforms are expected to be further discussed and potentially approved in the coming months, paving the way for a new era of public broadcasting in France.
