Political row as report calls for sweeping cuts to French public broadcasting
A French parliamentary inquiry led by rightwing politician Charles Alloncle has recommended sweeping cuts and reforms to public broadcasting, including merging channels and slashing entertainment budgets. The report, which claims public media lacks political neutrality and faces financial crisis, has sparked backlash from left and centre politicians who accuse it of bias. While the far right has praised the findings, public broadcasting leaders and some lawmakers warn the proposals could severely weaken France's public media services.
- ▪Charles Alloncle recommended a 25% reduction in public broadcasting budgets, merging major channels, and cutting entertainment and sports funding significantly.
- ▪Marine Le Pen and the National Rally praised the report, saying it exposed political bias and financial mismanagement in public broadcasting.
- ▪Critics, including Socialist MP Ayda Hadizadeh and centre-right Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, accused Alloncle of conducting a biased inquiry aimed at paving the way for privatisation.
- ▪Delphine Ernotte, head of France Télévisions, called the report an ideological attack that would weaken public service media.
- ▪The government is not required to adopt the recommendations, and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu dismissed the report as a 'missed opportunity.'
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National Rally’s Marine Le Pen says the inquiry has ‘shone a light’ on public broadcasting’s ‘multiple attacks on political neutrality’. Photograph: Julien de Rosa/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenNational Rally’s Marine Le Pen says the inquiry has ‘shone a light’ on public broadcasting’s ‘multiple attacks on political neutrality’. Photograph: Julien de Rosa/AFP/Getty ImagesFrancePolitical row as report calls for sweeping cuts to French public broadcastingInquiry set up by rightwing politician recommends merging major channels and slashing TV entertainment budgets by 75%Angelique Chrisafis in ParisTue 5 May 2026 12.44 EDTLast modified on Tue 5 May 2026 12.46 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleFrench politicians on the left and centre have criticised a parliament inquiry report…
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