CNews petition sparks French media freedom debate

A petition on the French National Assembly's website calling for the removal of CNews from French broadcasting has gathered nearly 900,000 signatures, thrusting the far-right-leaning channel's influence into public debate six months before the presidential election. Launched in June, the petition accelerated after a racist attack in Trappes. It could be discussed in parliament if the Cultural Affairs committee agrees, with its president noting it raises questions about free expression, regulation, and media pluralism. Defenders, including Horizons politicians Jérémie Patrier-Leitus and Sylvain Berrios, frame the petition as censorship, comparing CNews to outlets like Libération or Mediapart. However, unlike print media, broadcasters require state authorization and must comply with Arcom regulations on opinion diversity and information honesty.