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Public media employees in France against the plans of “French BBC”

2025-06-25 18:56

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2025-06-25 18:56

Trade unions on the French Public Radio Radio France stated on Wednesday that the project of combination of audiovisual broadcasters into one institution is “extremely dangerous”. Parliament will meet the project, whose support is the Minister of Culture Rachid Dati, from Monday.

Public media employees in France against plans "French BBC"
Public media employees in France against plans "French BBC"
photo: Pixabay / / Pexels

The project of establishing such a holding, sometimes called “French BBC”, has been considered for a long time. Work on it delayed because of the termination of parliament in 2024 and convening early elections.

As a representative of CGT Bertrand Durand said at a press conference at a press conference, in the event of a holding, Radio Public Radio will become “a branch deprived of a director, board and budget.” He also argued that behind the project lies a plan of dismissals that would lead to “significant reduction of employment in all entities.”

A representative of the National Union of Journalists (SNJ) Matthieu Darriet argued that creating such a structure would be a threat to the independence of information. He argued that if the combined broadcasters have one director responsible for information, he would be lonely in the face of “outside, political and economic interference.” The project does not provide for such a solution, but it mentions a report that Minister Dati ordered from the former head of Radio France Inter Laurence Bloch.

The lower Chamber of Parliament will start meeting the project on June 30. Trade unions at public television (France Televisions) and the National Audiovisual Institute (Ina) called on the strike on the same day. Radio France called for strike action not only on Monday, but also on Thursday to oppose financial cuts in this institution.

The combination of public media would lead to the creation of a holding covering: France Televisions, Radio France and Ina. The new company is to be called France Medias. In 2024, it was assessed that these plans apply to 16 thousand. public media employees.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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Ashley Davis

I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.

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