French presidential candidates debate media crisis in Paris

Candidates for the 2027 French presidential election met with leaders from the Alliance of General Information Press (Apig) in Paris to discuss the ongoing crisis facing the media sector. The discussions focused on the economic instability caused by social media, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the decline of traditional print revenue.

A primary point of consensus among the candidates was the need to address the “pillaging” of journalistic content by AI companies. Candidates expressed support for creating a legislative framework to ensure media outlets are compensated by tech companies using their work, and suggested taxing digital platforms at a European level. There was also general agreement on redirecting a portion of digital advertising revenue toward news publications.

However, candidates remained divided on public subsidies. While most discussed ways to support the industry, Philippe Ballard, representing the National Rally (RN), suggested reducing direct public aid to focus on digital transitions. This was met with opposition from regional press leaders who emphasized that print remains a vital source of income. Other topics included the fight against AI-generated fake news sites and preventing France from becoming a “digital colony” of the United States or China.