Launch of CNews Prime and Political Inquiry Stir French Media Landscape

On November 25, 2023, CNews launched a new channel, CNews Prime, designed to enhance the coverage of national and international political events by providing comprehensive live broadcasts and behind-the-scenes content. According to Canal+ France's director general Gérald-Brice Viret, this channel complements traditional TV by covering ministerial visits, government question sessions, and rebroadcasts flagship programs like "L'heure des pros" hosted by Pascal Praud. The parent CNews channel recently hit a record audience share of 4% in October 2023, signaling growing viewer engagement. Meanwhile, tensions between private media outlets such as CNews, Europe 1, and JDD owned by Vincent Bolloré and public broadcasters like France Télévisions and Radio France are intensifying. The public broadcasters have filed defamation lawsuits against these private entities over accusations of left-leaning bias. In parallel, the National Assembly has initiated a commission of inquiry into the neutrality, functioning, and financing of public audiovisual media. This inquiry is sharply dividing opinion, with figures like UDR's Charles Alloncle emphasizing the significant annual public broadcasting budget of 4 billion euros, equivalent to half of the Ministry of Culture's budget or the salary costs of 100,000 teachers. All citizens contribute to this budget via VAT regardless of their consumption of public broadcasting content. Horizons' president Jérémie Patrier-Leitus advocates for a less politicized approach to this inquiry, aiming to prevent it from turning into a political trial. These developments highlight the deepening political and financial scrutiny surrounding French public and private media outlets.