Particle.news
Download on the App Store

France Télévisions Chief Defends Public Broadcaster at Senate Hearing, Cites €40–44 Million Deficit

She highlighted cost cuts following a scathing audit as regulators widen scrutiny of finances, impartiality.

Overview

  • Delphine Ernotte told senators the group faces a roughly €40–44 million shortfall this year, citing a €115 million reduction in state funding.
  • The Cour des comptes warned of insolvency risk and flagged €3.8 million in taxi expenses in 2024 as part of broader concerns over mission costs.
  • Ernotte listed measures already underway, including a 5% cut to show contracts, cancellations of some programs, and about 1,200 job reductions.
  • Addressing the Legrand‑Cohen affair, she noted the ethics committee found no breach of rules while acknowledging questions about pluralism and neutrality.
  • On editorial positioning, she said CNews is an opinion channel whereas LCI, BFMTV and Franceinfo are news channels, and Radio France chief Sibyle Veil is due before the commission next.