French Public Broadcasters to Strike Over Proposed Media Reform
Employees of France Télévisions and Radio France will protest on March 31 and April 1, 2025, against a government plan to consolidate public media under a single holding company.
- The planned two-day strike is in response to a proposed reform to create 'France Médias,' a holding company overseeing France Télévisions, Radio France, INA, and potentially France Médias Monde.
- Unions argue the reform threatens editorial independence, jobs, and public broadcasting services, citing concerns over budget cuts and potential restructuring.
- The legislation, initially delayed in 2024, is scheduled for discussion in the National Assembly on April 10, 2025, though delays are possible due to a packed parliamentary agenda.
- The government has suggested excluding France Médias Monde from the holding structure, a shift from the original proposal that envisioned full consolidation.
- Laurence Bloch, former Radio France director, has been tasked with accompanying the reform process by Culture Minister Rachida Dati.