Candidates discuss press crisis in Paris meeting

Candidates for the 2027 French presidential election gathered in Paris to address the challenges facing the press, including the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on traditional media. The event was organized by the Alliance of General Information Press (Apig), a group representing nearly 300 daily and weekly newspapers.

Press faces declining local presence

According to the Apig, a third of French people have already seen a local newspaper or media outlet disappear near them. This decline has led to the publication of a manifesto titled The Right to Be Informed, which outlines nine policy proposals aimed at supporting the press and ensuring public access to accurate information.

Candidates agree on taxing digital platforms

The candidates reached a consensus on the need to prevent the "plundering" of press content by artificial intelligence companies and to implement a European-level tax on digital platforms. They also considered the possibility of redirecting fines from digital giants to the press and mandating a portion of advertising revenue to be allocated to publications.

Diverging views on public aid to media

While most candidates supported measures to better tax digital platforms, opinions differed on the issue of public funding for the press. Philippe Ballard, representing the National Rally, proposed reducing direct public aid to the press, arguing that there is no more money available. This stance was opposed by press leaders, who emphasized that print media still generates most of their revenue.

Calls for media independence and reform

Manuel Bompard from France Insoumise urged the liberation of media from the influence of money by opposing media concentration. He also proposed linking press aid to "social" and "governance" criteria and suggested that journalists should have a say in leadership changes. However, most candidates remain uncertain about how to create a sustainable economic model for the press.

Drawing on cultural exception model

Edouard Philippe compared the situation of the press to the cultural exception in France, which uses specific funding to support cultural sectors. He stressed the importance of an informed public for democracy and called for funding that ensures the reality of public debate. The Apig has long advocated for media education as a national priority, but these proposals have yet to be translated into legislation.