Paris (AFP)

"Brutal methods", "danger for press freedom" and "democracy": Reporters Without Borders denounced on Thursday the procedures of billionaire Vincent Bolloré, in the media, calling on the State, the CSA, the Competition Authority and the legislator to intervene, but without provoking political reactions.

In a 16-minute documentary entitled "System B", broadcast on social networks, RSF has 11 journalists testify on "the information control system" of the businessman, who had no previous experience. ceases to expand its media empire, via its Vivendi group.

The 11 journalists describe, with their faces uncovered, the "mechanism of influence and intimidation put in place by Vincent Bolloré when he takes control of a media outlet or when journalists investigate its industrial activities".

Thus, Patrick Cohen, ex-presenter of Europe midi on Europe 1 (which is the object of a takeover of Vivendi) is angry against "the way to move away from the principles of journalism such as Europe 1 had been practicing it for over 60 years ".

Isabelle Roberts, co-author of the Empire - Les Jours series, reports on "the methods of a raider, that is to say someone who will arrive in a box, who will cut off all heads, who is going to do his thing again. The editorial staff are not used to that. He will end up with people who either do not agree or do not dare to speak, but in any case, are brought to a halt ",

"These practices represent a real danger for press freedom, but also for democracy," RSF warns.

Patrick Cohen during a demonstration organized by the SDR of Europe 1 to denounce the "growing influence" of Vincent Bolloré, June 30, 2021 in Paris Alain JOCARD AFP / Archives

Asked by AFP, the Vivendi group declined to comment.

This film is an "alarm signal", launches the secretary general of RSF, Christophe Deloire, while Bolloré is now present in television (Canal +, CNews, C8), radio (Europe 1, RFM and Virgin Radio), the written press with Here, Capital and Gala, and more recently Paris Match and the JDD.

"It is urgent to establish new safeguards," adds Mr. Deloire.

- Rare political reactions -

In total, RSF makes seven recommendations.

Among them, he asks the State to "intervene for editorial independence in its capacity as shareholder of Vivendi", via the Caisse des Dépôts (CDC) which owns 2.20% of the group's capital.

Contacted by AFP, the management of the Caisse des Dépôts, which does not sit on the board of directors of Vivendi, did not wish to react.

The Competition Authority is also asked to "prevent the creation of quasi-monopolies in the information sectors, including publishing", "one of the means of expression of journalists".

In this sector, the Vivendi group, which already owns Editis, is expected to strengthen itself with the next acquisition of Éditions Lagardère.

"This transaction will in any case be subject to a prior review by the European Commission or the Competition Authority in the context of merger control," recalled the Competition Authority, questioned by AFP.

RSF also urges the Superior Audiovisual Council to "ensure respect for honesty, independence and pluralism of information on the basis of current conventions".

Vincent Bolloré in April 2019 in Paris ERIC PIERMONT AFP / Archives

"The CSA is very attentive to the respect of the obligations incumbent on the audiovisual media and pays the utmost vigilance to the competences which it holds from the Bloche law, the stakes of which are priorities for democratic life and the vitality of public debate", reacted the regulator in a statement sent to AFP.

RSF also urges "the legislator to put in place an effective mechanism against gag procedures", weapons of dissuasion to muzzle the media.

On social networks, apart from tweets from journalists, RSF's appeal hardly elicited any political reactions except those of Nadine Morano and Eric Ciotti defending Vincent Bolloré.

According to the 2021 world press freedom ranking established by RSF, France is in 34th place.

© 2021 AFP