French Media Watchdog Targets CNews over Bias Claims

French media regulator Arcom has ordered news channel CNews to comply with rules on pluralism and diversity of opinion. The decision follows an investigation into the channel's programming and could lead to disciplinary action against the broadcaster.

CNews, owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, is often compared to the US network Fox News. Critics accuse the channel of focusing heavily on migration and security issues while promoting narratives associated with the political right and far right.

The regulator launched its investigation following a complaint by Reporters Without Borders. According to Arcom president Martin Ajdari, an analysis of broadcasts from March 2025 found "structurally unbalanced" coverage that gave only limited space to differing viewpoints.

Ajdari stressed that the regulator's role is not to police opinions but to ensure that media outlets provide audiences with a diversity of perspectives on issues of public interest. French law requires television and radio broadcasters to deliver independent, pluralistic and balanced news coverage. Broadcasters must also monitor the representation of political parties in their programming.

Last week, Arcom also issued a warning to public broadcaster Radio France for failing to adequately represent the right-wing National Rally party. The regulator has the power to impose fines and, in extreme cases, revoke a broadcaster's licence.

The case comes less than a year before France's presidential election, in which right-wing candidates are performing strongly in opinion polls.

(Reuters, Max)