The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the European group of the
International Federation of Journalists, has deplored the manner of appointing
the President of the French public broadcaster.
Yesterday French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced his nomination for the new
president of France Télévisions, Remy
Pflimlin. The EFJ deplores the implementation of the new broadcasting law
passed in March 2009 that allows the political executive to appoint the
chairmen of public broadcasters.
Even if the appointment must be confirmed by the High Audiovisual Council (CSA)
and the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Assembly, the process "sends the
wrong signal and marks a step backwards for the independence of media"
says the EFJ.
The EFJ criticises governments that put pressure on the media, especially
public broadcasters as has been the case recently in Hungary,
Romania and repeatedly in Italy.
The EFJ further regrets the disregard for the independence of public service
broadcasting held by the French President.
The right to information on TV channels in France now risks increased
political interference, seriously compromising the role of journalists.
The EFJ will monitor any interference with the public service mission of France Télévisions. It called on the
unions of France Télévision to
continue to protect the working conditions of journalists and for a strong,
diversified information to citizens.
French members of the EFJ are SNJ, SNJ-CGT and USJ-CFDT.
For more information contact the EFJ at +32 2 235 2215
The EFJ represents over 250,000 journalists in over 30 countries across Europe
