Reforming French Public Audiovisual: Ensuring Sovereignty and Sustainability in the Digital Age

Extract

[...] Streaming has become a major component of media consumption, with a 21% increase in a year, representing nearly a third of the total time spent watching television7. This growth of streaming is at the expense of other options, particularly cable television, which has seen its audience significantly decline. In France, Netflix holds a significant market share, illustrating the predominance of streaming platforms in households8. On average, consumers juggle with several different subscriptions, often choosing ad-free options for an uninterrupted experience. [...]

[...] To remain competitive, public audiovisual services must not only offer high-quality and distinctive content, but also optimize their distribution strategy to effectively reach their audience. This involves not only creating original and quality programs but also developing innovative formats that take advantage of the new possibilities offered by digital technology. It must thus strengthen its presence on digital platforms where the public is spending more and more time. Twell considered the evolution of media consumption habits in the light of the digital revolution represents both a challenge and an opportunity for public audiovisual services. [...]

[...] This centralization is envisioned to stimulate innovation, promote more agile management and promote a strong and consistent French audiovisual identity on the international scene23. The governance of France Médias will be characterized by a centralization of powers within a common management. The President-Director General, appointed by presidential decree, will be responsible for defining strategic orientations, with a mandate reinforced by the approval of the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) and parliamentary committees24. This reform represents a major challenge on the technical and organizational level25. [...]

[...] It is imperative that these risks are taken into account and mitigated by measures guaranteeing the diversity of content and editorial autonomy, in order to preserve the essential role of public audiovisual in French society, among which is the preservation of audiovisual sovereignty. B. The promotion of audiovisual sovereignty Audiovisual sovereignty is a concept that encompasses a state's ability to maintain and promote its culture and values through its media landscape. For France, this means protecting and developing a media space that is a faithful reflection of its cultural diversity and national identity. The reform of French public audiovisual is therefore intrinsically linked to the preservation of these essential elements28. [...]

[...] Its creation would ensure that content reflecting French values and perspectives retains its relevance and accessibility, thereby contributing to a distinct and influential cultural identity. In the same vein, the reform of public audiovisual media must address the challenge of making audiovisual media more participatory. Thus, the reform should encourage public audiovisual media to become a platform for public debate and citizen-created content, thereby strengthening transparency and public adherence to decisions.33. On the other hand, digital technology offers new opportunities for citizen engagement. [...]