The news is under threat in France – yet the mainstream media look the other way
Last week a national conference on information, the 'États Généraux de l'Information', which was established by President Emmanuel Macron in 2023, published its proposals for the future of the news industry. But, writes Mediapart’s publishing editor Carine Fouteau, its report revealed the media sector's inability to grasp the essential changes needed to defend independent, public-interest journalism. This is despite the fact that the need for strong counterbalances to the country's business and political powers is now greater than ever.
TheThe far-right, which is on the verge of power in France, holds the key to the new prime minister’s survival. An out-of-control Emmanuel Macron has refused to acknowledge the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections, and is trampling over parliamentary principles. Meanwhile the Left, despite managing to unite, has failed to speak with one voice to counter the Élysée’s railroading.
