France's Arcom bans night‑time political airtime and warns CNews over campaign coverage

The French audiovisual regulator Arcom announced that, from 1 October, television channels will no longer be able to count political speeches or interviews broadcast between midnight and 5:59 a.m. toward their required equal airtime. The move ends a practice used by several news channels, notably CNews, to boost left‑wing coverage during hours when few viewers are watching.

Arcom also issued a formal warning to CNews after a recent programme on Rachida Dati’s mayoral campaign was judged to lack “measure and honesty” and to present a biased view of the candidates. The warning precedes possible financial sanctions and is part of the regulator’s effort to ensure pluralism ahead of the 2026 municipal elections and the 2027 presidential race. Arcom said it will work with broadcasters to maintain balanced political debate without relying on night‑time slots.