Overview

• A two-day strike is underway at France Télévisions and Radio France, with unions opposing the government's plan to consolidate public broadcasters under a holding company, France Médias.
• The proposed reform, supported by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, aims to restructure public broadcasting to strengthen its competitiveness but has faced widespread resistance.
• Unions argue the reform will lead to budget cuts, restructuring, and a loss of editorial independence, with France Télévisions and Radio France already reporting significant financial deficits.
• The reform is being reviewed by the National Assembly's cultural affairs committee on April 1, 2025, with a full debate scheduled for April 10, though delays are possible due to other legislative priorities.
• The government has suggested excluding France Médias Monde, the international branch of public broadcasting, from the holding structure, a shift from initial plans for a full merger.