Q: What can we expect from the hearings of powerful industrialists like Vincent Bolloré or Bernard Arnault before the Senate?

A: "It's a good thing that Parliament asks them questions and that the subject emerges in the public debate, but I don't have high hopes.

In 2016, Vincent Bolloré (then Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Vivendi) and Maxime Saada (Chief Executive Officer of the Canal group) have already been heard by the Culture and Communication Committee of the Senate.

Vincent Bolloré, April 15, 2019 in Paris ERIC PIERMONT AFP / Archives

The authors of the Guignols had just been sacked, the program "Spécial investigation" stopped, and the "Zapping" was under pressure.

Despite everything, Mr. Bolloré affirmed that there had never been any censorship.

One may wonder whether Parliament has the means or the will to work like an American commission of inquiry.

To dig, to ask questions, or if it will be something more polite".

Maxime Saada, managing director of the Canal group, on March 12, 2021 in Paris Thomas SAMSON POOL / AFP / Archives

Q: How has the balance of power between the state and the big media bosses changed over the past 15 years?

A: "These industrialists have reached such a powerful position in the private media that a politician who wants to go back would probably be trapped.

With this book, I wanted to understand how these six or seven oligarchs, who need to have good relations with the state and wish to influence public opinion, were able to buy up almost all the credible information brands in France.

And talk about a dangerous system, with a question: what are the politicians doing?

Bernard Arnault, June 21, 2021 in Paris Christophe ARCHAMBAULT AFP / Archives

Q: In this context, what future can we imagine for investigative journalism in France?

A: "20 years ago, there were great shows on Canal or on public television, with + la Marche du Siècle + (France 3) for example.

Today, there remains + Cash investigation + with Élise Lucet, or the magazine presented by Tristan Waleckx, + Complément d'Enquête + (France 2), but the other investigative programs have atrophied.

That's why we created our "Off-investigation" site with crowdfunding.

Journalist Elise Lucet, August 24, 2021 in Paris STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN AFP / Archives

I believe that in general, subscribing to independent media, such as Mediapart, Les Jours or Disclose, is the lever that will change the system.

One could imagine freeing up part of the audiovisual license fee to allow citizens who so wish to allocate 10% to the independent media of their choice.

© 2022 AFP