Les médias agitent les peurs ? Natacha Polony répond.

The speaker, a journalist, discusses the importance of journalism extending beyond just reporting news. They emphasize the duty of journalists to be aware of their democratic role, seeking the truth without claiming ownership of it. Independence is key, as journalists should not dictate opinions but provide information and insights for citizens to form their own views. The speaker criticizes the rise of activist journalists and the confusion between journalism and the role of a priest, which is to dictate right and wrong. They argue for intellectual honesty and self-reflection as crucial journalistic duties.

The paragraph delves into the revolution of the press, particularly through social networks and the radicalization of opinions. There's a mention of the loss of citizen trust in media and the need for journalists and media outlets to evolve. The speaker expresses frustration and concern over the impending 'war' and disasters, criticizing the lack of awareness about the gravity of the situation. They also discuss the importance of media independence, the role of GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) in capturing advertising revenues, and the need for content creators to be remunerated for their work.

The speaker talks about the necessity for journalists to engage in self-contradiction as a form of individual, long-term exercise. They argue against the reflexive thinking and the urgency imposed by social networks, which can lead to immediate reactions without thorough reflection. The speaker advocates for taking time to think things through and avoid being swayed by the pressure to be the first to report or react to a story. They also mention the need for journalists to be wary of the influence of social networks and maintain a long-term perspective on issues.

The paragraph addresses the struggle to maintain media pluralism and generalism. The speaker criticizes the transformation of generalist news channels into opinion-based media, which caters to specific segments of the public and can lead to radicalization. They express concern over the potential for societal explosion due to media polarization and the difficulty in categorizing personalities into specific ideological currents. The speaker also discusses the need for a democratic debate and the ability to discuss differing views.

The speaker reflects on how the political landscape has changed, particularly with the rise of Emmanuel Macron, further blurring the traditional left-right political divide. They discuss the emergence of Macron as a product of the failure of the 'false alternance' in politics and the need for a new form of political discourse that avoids extremism and focuses on republicanism as a counter to authoritarian centrism.

The paragraph explores Emmanuel Macron's perceived neoliberalism, characterized by deregulation and globalization, despite France's high taxes and cultural disregard for entrepreneurship. The speaker argues that France has the disadvantages of both neoliberal and non-neoliberal systems, with an administrative inflation needed to support deregulation. They also discuss the impact of this on social spending and competitiveness, and the need to rethink the market and wealth creation strategies.

The speaker criticizes Macron's leadership style as authoritarian, arguing that he is not a democrat in the true sense of the word. They discuss Macron's use of executive power to impose deregulation and the undermining of popular sovereignty. The speaker also touches on the broader crisis of democracy resulting from adherence to neoliberal policies and the lack of consideration for the will of the people.

The speaker condemns the use of fear by governments and media as a form of manipulation and control over public opinion. They discuss the democratic deficit in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the infringement on individual freedoms. The speaker advocates for a truly democratic system that empowers citizens to make informed decisions, emphasizing the importance of media in providing citizens with the information they need to exercise their role as informed participants in democracy.

The paragraph discusses the importance of public education and the role of media in shaping public opinion. The speaker differentiates between the concepts of democracy and republic, emphasizing the need for an educated populace to engage in public debate and decision-making. They argue against the idea of a democracy where experts make decisions on behalf of the people, stating that every voice should hold equal weight in democratic decision-making.

The speaker reflects on the role of pop culture in contemporary society, distinguishing between mass culture produced by the cultural industry and genuine popular culture that fosters social bonds and community. They express concern over the consumerist and capitalist aspects of pop culture and its potential impact on education and democratic discourse. The speaker also discusses the importance of maintaining independent media to counter the trend of dumbed-down content and consumerism.

The speaker discusses the growing cultural and intellectual inequalities in the digital age, with a portion of the population becoming increasingly educated and informed while others are left behind, consuming superficial content. They highlight the importance of independent media in providing in-depth and quality information to counteract this trend. The speaker also emphasizes the responsibility of media to educate and inform citizens, rather than simply providing entertainment, and the need to adapt to new formats and platforms to reach a wider audience.