On Wednesday, Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, president of France Télévisions, appeared before the parliamentary inquiry commission on neutrality and the financing of public broadcasting. The stakes were high: her group is accused of favoring the Socialist Party, and the Court of Auditors recently deplored a financial situation deemed critical. The Legrand-Cohen affair, which involved public service journalists in a controversial meeting with political figures, had also fueled suspicions of bias.
At 15:30 p.m., the committee chairman, Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, emphasized the committee's objective role, urging members of parliament not to turn the debates into a trial. The stakes were twofold: to examine the neutrality of the public service broadcaster and to understand the group's budgetary management, while also clarifying the responsibility of its leaders in the face of accusations of bias.
Christophe Tardieu, Secretary General of France Télévisions, was keen to clarify that no pressure had been exerted on the Court of Auditors, responding to rumors about the possible manipulation of the publication of the report in order to facilitate the renewal of Ernotte-Cunci for a third term.
Delphine Ernotte-Cunci defended the neutrality of France Télévisions.
At the heart of the discussions, Delphine Ernotte-Cunci strongly defended the neutrality of France Télévisions. She emphasized that the public service broadcaster must address all French citizens, regardless of their opinions, income, or location. According to her, this requirement of impartiality is an absolute pillar of the group's mission, and internal initiatives have been launched to strengthen the balance of viewpoints. She acknowledged that recent controversies, particularly those surrounding the Legrand-Cohen affair, have fueled a legitimate debate on neutrality.
The president also pointed out that France Télévisions has never been sanctioned by ARCOM for its news coverage, and that public trust is based on rigorous and impartial reporting. She cited the example of France Info, which costs €40 million annually and employs multiple newsrooms to achieve a relatively small audience share, emphasizing that the demand for quality takes precedence over commercial efficiency.
The issue of the financial crisis is on the table.
The financial aspect was one of the most scrutinized points. Delphine Ernotte-Cunci acknowledged that the accounts were fragile, but explained that the group had made consistent efforts despite reduced government subsidies and successive budget cuts. 2025 was a particularly difficult year for adjusting expenses, and 2026 will require strategic readjustment. She emphasized that all decisions were made in accordance with the board of directors.
She also highlighted the changing viewing habits of television viewers: traditional television still accounts for 65% of average viewing time, but among young people, digital platforms like YouTube are gaining ground. According to her, the group must adapt to this rapid transformation of the audience and can no longer limit itself to linear television.
Members of Parliament denounce a lack of transparency
The questions from the members of parliament highlighted the tensions surrounding France Télévisions' communications. Delphine Ernotte-Cunci was questioned about the alleged lack of transparency in press releases, particularly concerning the financial situation. She replied that it was necessary to consider all available information, not just official statements.
Charles Alloncle, the rapporteur, also addressed contracts with production companies, expenses related to receptions and overnight stays at the Cannes Film Festival, seeking to demonstrate that transparency still needed improvement. In this context, LFI (La France Insoumise) members of parliament also participated in the debates, raising questions about the links between public information and socio-political issues.
A report is expected in the spring.
Following the hearing of Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, the parliamentary inquiry committee will analyze all the testimonies and documents to draft a detailed report on the neutrality and financial situation of France Télévisions. This report, expected in the spring, will propose recommendations, while not legally binding, which could lead to internal reforms, budgetary adjustments by the state, and further parliamentary debates. The objective is to strengthen the transparency, editorial balance, and financial viability of the public service broadcaster, while monitoring the implementation of these recommendations.
