Sharp Words On And About Television

Michael Hedges January 27, 2010 - Follow on Twitter

All things television are all important to politicians. Even where journalists are held in low esteem and media credibility is low, politicians flock to interviews with newspapers, television and radio. And they don’t necessarily choose their words carefully.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy served up 90 minutes of television Monday night (January 25) on TF1, the major national commercial channel. Rumor has it President Sarkozy hand-picked the interviewer and complained about being up against TV competition from an American cop series and a blockbuster movie. Nearly nine million people watched.

Political opponents, seizing an opening, pounced on the choice of TF1 as the venue for the presidential appearance. The television channel is principally controlled by Martin Bouygues, godfather of one of Sarkozy’s children. Doubtless anybody in France hasn’t heard of the Bouygues – Sarkozy relationship during the last three years. M. Bouygues suggested banning advertising on French public television to M. Sarkozy. The rest is history.

French politicians of all sides have been ringing in about media, particularly television, and M. Sarkozy’s relationship with it. None of this is particularly new; the French President has endured this criticism and more. And with the tone reaching the hysterical, the public relations experts are working over-time, even in France.

The most stinging attack came from Socialist Party EuroParl MEP Vincent Peillon last week (January 23) in an interview with Le Monde. Complaining about a public television series on national identity, one of M. Sarkozy’s current talking points, Peillon called “some leaders” of France Télévisions “servile”.

Unhappy with the subject, Peillon backed out of a debate on public TV channel France 2 (January 14) with Immigration Minister Eric Besson. “The French are concerned about employment, health, education, housing, public broadcasting, but it was decided to schedule a series of debates on national identity and immigration, a debate which brings shame to France and stigmatizes millions of our countrymen,” he said in the Le Monde interview. “Seven programs over nine hours of prime time were devoted primarily to this issue. It must stop this.”

"The prospect of appointing the president of a public service by the President of the Republic is already putting pressure on their (journalists) work and promotes the servility of some leaders,” he continued. “But we must also reform the (media regulator) CSA making it independent and pluralistic, secure, as in other European countries… to serve the public.”

Not to miss the opportunity, Peillon also mentioned that Reporters sans Frontiers ranks France 43rd in world-wide press freedom, down from 11th in 2002. Within France, the media is looked upon with suspicion, at best, and dirrision at worst. Media’s credibility is low, noted an editorial in Le Monde (January 25). Two-thirds of French people (66%) say journalists are “not independent, do not resist pressure from political parties,” according to a TNS-Sofres survey reported in La Croix (January 21). Only 48% trust television, 55% newspapers, 35% the internet and 60% radio.

France Télévisions CEO Patrick de Carolis was not amused and took personal offense. “To me Peillon does not exist,” said de Carolis to the Europe 1 radio audience (January 25). “I think public service media is not intended to serve as a punching bag for a man of bad reputation. Mr. Peillon is a man in distress.”

“I find the words and the attitude of Mr. Peillon extremely shocking,” said M. de Carolis. “There are two ways of doing politics, in the mountains and in the gutter. And I see that M. Peillon has chosen.”

In French, M. de Carolis said “M. Peillon est un homme qui est en perdition.” The French word ‘perdition’ translates several ways; a religious term for ‘lost’ and a nautical term for ‘in distress’. We get the point.

Another test of the “berlusconization” – as M. Peillon put it – of French media will arrive at summers end as M. de Carolis’ term as France Télévisions president ends and a replacement is named by President Sarkozy.

Strong words can lead to lawyers. One French website, point.fr, reported (January 25) that lawyers for France Télévisions are “looking into” M. Peillon’s use of the word ‘servility’ as a possible insult to “our State colleagues.” That would be an ironic twist. In some parts of the world – typically those RSF ranks even lower than France or Italy - politicians regularly order media workers jailed for perceived insults.

See also in ftm Knowledge

Media in France

French audiences are moving fast to every new platform. Mobile and Web media challenges the old guard while rule makers seek new directions. Media life in France... and a few secrets. includes updated Resources 103 pages PDF (November 2009)

Order here

Media Laws – New and Revised

Policy makers and politicians are writing and rewiting media laws and rules at a breakneck pace. As broadcasters and publishers grapple with changes brought about by digital development, new business models and financial distress, the new media is feeling rules tightening around it. From licensing and public broadcasting to privacy, piracy and copyright this ftm Knowledge file Media Laws – New and Revised summarizes new laws and revised laws from a media perspective. 135 pages PDF (December 2010)

Order here