Overview
- The National Assembly launched the investigation with an opening hearing of Arcom president Martin Ajdari at 4:30 p.m. in Paris, marking the chamber’s first inquiry focused on public broadcasting.
- Using the Assembly’s annual right of initiative, the UDR-led commission will examine spending, editorial choices, internal management and production deals across France Télévisions, Radio France, RFI, Arte France and TV5Monde.
- France Télévisions chief Delphine Ernotte and Radio France chief Sibyle Veil are slated to testify on December 10 and 17, with a dense schedule of hearings running to early March and a report expected afterward.
- Left-wing deputies, including Sophie Taillé-Polian, caution that the process could be politically driven, while rapporteur Charles Alloncle and commission president Jérémie Patrier-Leitus pledge impartial, serious work.
- The scrutiny unfolds as public broadcasters pursue denigration suits against outlets in Vincent Bolloré’s orbit and as the Cour des comptes warns that France Télévisions faces a critical financial situation.