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French Assembly Opens Inquiry Into Public Broadcasters’ Neutrality and Financing

Supporters call it a transparency exercise, critics a political inquest.

Overview

  • The commission began Tuesday with Arcom president Martin Ajdari’s hearing at the National Assembly, initiating a schedule of auditions running into early March 2026 with a report expected weeks later.
  • France Télévisions chief Delphine Ernotte Cunci and Radio France head Sibyle Veil are slated to appear on December 10 and 17 respectively.
  • Set up by Éric Ciotti’s UDR group after the Legrand‑Cohen controversy, the inquiry is chaired by Jérémie Patrier‑Leitus with Charles Alloncle as rapporteur.
  • The panel plans to probe editorial neutrality, decision‑making and use of public funds, a remit that left‑leaning deputies warn could be used for political instrumentalization.
  • Public broadcasters enter the process under strain, having sued Bolloré‑linked outlets for denigration and faced a Cour des comptes finding of critical finances at France Télévisions, while commissioners flagged alleged conflicts of interest and contract concentration for review.