Regulatory body reprimands Sud Radio

The Arcom, France’s regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication, has reprimanded Sud Radio for spreading climate misinformation, according to Quotaclimat, an organization that analyzes media coverage of climate issues.

First time such action taken

This is the first time the Arcom has recognized that the obligations of rigor and honesty in information also apply to solutions for the ecological transition and environmental policies, Quotaclimat stated.

Complaint leads to decision

The association announced the decision on Thursday, October 22, following a complaint from Quotaclimat after a segment broadcast on April 7, 2026, in which elected official Éric Michou participated. The segment was part of the program La France dans tous ses états.

Official questioned climate data

Éric Michou, a deputy from the Union of the Right, La République, spoke about ZFE (low-emission zones) and questioned the pollution coming from diesel, as well as the accuracy of a figure published by Santé publique France regarding victims related to air pollution, the association recalled.

Regulator criticizes lack of rigor

The Arcom considered this to be a failure in the rigor and honesty of the information. The regulator thus calls on Sud Radio to ensure that it meets its obligations in providing accurate and responsible reporting.

No response from Sud Radio

At the time of publishing this brief, Sud Radio has not responded to the reprimand or the call for greater rigor in its reporting.