A petition on the French National Assembly's website calling for the closure of CNews, a French continuous news channel, has surpassed 600,000 signatures. The petition, launched in June, demands the withdrawal of CNews' TNT frequency and its removal from French broadcasting. It describes the channel, owned by Vincent Bolloré's group, as a "propaganda machine". The petition cites several sanctions already imposed on the channel and controversies surrounding its broadcasts.
According to the National Assembly's rules, a petition with over 500,000 signatures can lead to a parliamentary debate, provided a competent commission decides to examine it and establishes a report. However, surpassing this threshold does not guarantee a debate. Alexandre Portier, president of the cultural and education affairs commission, announced a meeting to examine the petition's future. The increased mobilization around the petition followed criticism of certain media outlets, including CNews, after a racist attack in Trappes and La Verrière on October 23.
The petition's momentum gained traction at the end of October, amid criticism of media outlets, including CNews, for allegedly giving excessive coverage to stigmatizing discourse against immigrants and people of immigrant backgrounds. Left-wing officials, including Trappes Mayor Ali Rabeh, expressed concerns about the media's role. In response to an AFP query, CNews declined to comment on the "political petition".
A similar petition, which exceeded 500,000 signatures against a law proposal on the presumption of legitimate use of force by law enforcement, was dismissed by law commission members in July. The current petition's success may lead to a debate in the National Assembly. CNews has faced controversy and sanctions in the past, raising questions about its role in French media.
The petition's text highlights CNews' controversies and sanctions, questioning its place in French broadcasting. As the National Assembly's commission prepares to examine the petition, the channel's future remains uncertain. The debate may focus on the role of CNews and other media outlets in promoting inclusive and responsible journalism.
The outcome of the petition and potential debate will be closely watched by media stakeholders and observers. While CNews has declined to comment, the petition's organizers and supporters hope to spark a meaningful discussion about the channel's content and influence. The French media landscape is likely to be impacted by the petition's outcome.
Key stakeholders, including media experts and politicians, will likely closely follow the developments surrounding the petition. The issue raises essential questions about media responsibility, freedom of expression, and the role of news outlets in shaping public discourse. As the situation unfolds, the French public and media community will be watching closely.
Key points
- A French petition calling for the closure of CNews has exceeded 600,000 signatures.
- The petition demands the withdrawal of CNews' TNT frequency and its removal from French broadcasting.
- The petition's success may lead to a debate in the National Assembly, potentially impacting CNews' future in French media.
