Media influence and political communication in France and Switzerland

Traditional media remains a central pillar for political communication in France, despite the rising influence of digital platforms. Research by Flora Chanvril and Luc Rouban from Cevipof suggests that while social media amplifies political expression, it does not create it, often acting as an echo chamber for existing democratic crises.

In the context of the upcoming French presidential election, major television news programs continue to draw significant audiences, with TF1 and France 2 maintaining millions of viewers. High-profile candidates continue to prioritize appearances on evening news broadcasts to reach the electorate.

In Switzerland, political figures use social media differently, primarily for sharing long-form explanatory videos regarding voting issues or glimpses into private life, though many high-ranking federal officials still maintain no presence on platforms like Instagram.