Vincent Bolloré to be summoned by French parliamentary media inquiry

Wednesday 04 - 09:30

By: Sahili Aya

Vincent Bolloré to be summoned by French parliamentary media inquiry

French media mogul Vincent Bolloré is expected to be summoned at the end of February by a parliamentary commission investigating public broadcasting, authorities announced on Wednesday. Bolloré, one of the majority shareholders of Banijay, a prominent production company, will be asked to provide explanations regarding content decisions on channels he controls, including CNews.

The hearing, organized by Jérémie Patrier-Leitus, president of the parliamentary inquiry commission on public broadcasting, aims to question key media shareholders such as Matthieu Pigasse, Xavier Niel, and Vincent Bolloré. The focus will include the controversial presence of Jean-Marc Morandini on CNews, despite his recent conviction for corruption of minors.

Patrier-Leitus emphasized that the inquiry will examine potential ethical and regulatory failures in both public and private media. “It is not acceptable for someone with a final conviction to remain on air,” the centrist lawmaker stated, underlining the need to uphold journalistic ethics and principles. He also noted that the French communication law of 1986 applies equally to public and private media outlets.

The parliamentary inquiry reflects growing concerns in France over media accountability, content oversight, and shareholder influence in broadcasting decisions. Bolloré’s testimony is expected to shed light on decision-making processes at Canal+ and its associated production companies.