"POURQUOI BOLLORÉ VEUT ME FAIRE TAIRE" LES VÉRITÉS D'UN JOURNALISTE SUR LES MÉDIAS DES MILLIARDAIRES

Le Média
4 Mar 202427:54

TLDRJean-Baptiste Rivoir, a former investigative journalist at Canal Plus and founder of the independent investigative media 'Off Investigation,' discusses the legal and financial challenges he faces following his departure from the media group. He highlights the censorship and legal pursuit by his former employer, particularly under Vincent Bolloré's control, which has targeted him for breaking a 'silence clause.' Rivoir addresses the broader implications of media manipulation and censorship in France, shedding light on the struggle for journalistic freedom and the survival of his independent media outlet amidst ongoing legal battles and financial pressure.

Takeaways

  • 📰 Jean-Baptiste Rivoire, a journalist and founder of an independent investigation media, is being pursued by Canal Plus and its owner Vincent Boloré for not maintaining absolute silence after leaving the company.
  • 💰 Rivoire was ordered by the court to pay €151,000 to Canal Plus for breaching a non-disclosure agreement, a decision that the National Union of Journalists denounces as a Bayon procedure.
  • 🤝 The interview discusses the control of media by Boloré and his influence on French information systems, including the instrumentalization of media for business and political interests.
  • 🚨 Rivoire highlights the issue of "omerta" or silence organized by Boloré, where hundreds of journalists and unionists have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements.
  • 📈 The script touches on the broader problem of media independence and pluralism in France, with concerns about the influence of large shareholders on editorial lines.
  • 📺 The Conseil d'État has asked the regulatory body, l'Arcom, to increase its control over C News, part of the same group as Canal Plus, to ensure pluralism and independence of information.
  • 🎥 Rivoire is involved in the production of documentaries that reveal the manipulation and control of information by media owners, which has led to his persecution.
  • 💪 Rivoire emphasizes the need for independent media to be better supported and financed by citizens to counter the influence of large media owners.
  • 🏛️ The script mentions the parliamentary investigation commission looking into the attribution of TNT frequencies and the responsibilities of media owners.
  • 🤔 The discussion raises questions about the role of journalism in a democratic society and the importance of protecting freedom of expression and information.
  • 🌐 The interview concludes with Rivoire's commitment to continue his work despite the challenges, including the upcoming release of new documentaries and his appearance before the Assemblée Nationale.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue Jean-Baptiste Rivot is facing with Canal Plus?

    -Jean-Baptiste Rivot is being pursued and condemned by Canal Plus for not respecting a non-disclosure clause regarding his experiences within the Boloré system.

  • How does Vincent Boloré's influence impact the French media landscape?

    -Vincent Boloré's influence has led to the instrumentalization of information, favoring his business interests and promoting a certain political agenda, which includes a potential bias towards a Catholic, right-wing, or even far-right France.

  • What is the significance of the non-disclosure clauses that Boloré has people sign?

    -The non-disclosure clauses are used to silence hundreds of individuals, preventing them from revealing the ways in which Boloré manipulates media for his own interests, effectively creating a culture of omertà within the media industry.

  • What is the role of the Conseil d'État in this situation?

    -The Conseil d'État has ordered the regulatory body, l'Arcom, to increase its oversight of C news, emphasizing the need for pluralism and independence in the media, particularly regarding the use of public-funded free broadcasting channels.

  • How does the French media landscape affect democracy in France?

    -The media landscape, heavily influenced by a few powerful individuals, can lead to a perversion of democracy by controlling the flow of information and shaping public opinion in favor of certain political or business interests.

  • What is the significance of the journalistic strike at iTELE in 2016?

    -The strike at iTELE in 2016 highlighted the journalists' desire for a code of ethics to be respected in their work, which was initially opposed by Vincent Boloré, indicating a resistance to maintaining journalistic integrity.

  • What is the role of Reporters Without Borders in the French media ecosystem?

    -Reporters Without Borders is an organization that defends the independence of the press and journalists. However, there are concerns about its funding sources and the potential conflict of interest, as it receives financial support from the government and other entities.

  • What is the impact of the parliamentary inquiry commission on the media?

    -The parliamentary inquiry commission is investigating the media, particularly focusing on the attribution of TNT frequencies, which could lead to increased transparency and accountability in the media industry.

  • What is the importance of independent media financing in France?

    -Independent media financing is crucial for maintaining a diverse and unbiased media landscape. It allows for the production of content free from the influence of large corporations or political interests, which is essential for a healthy democracy.

  • What is the significance of the documentary 'Sainte Soline Autopsy of a Carnage'?

    -The documentary 'Sainte Soline Autopsy of a Carnage' is part of a series that investigates the violent repression of a protest against intensive agriculture, highlighting the need for responsible and ethical media coverage of such events.

  • How does the script suggest the French public can contribute to better media practices?

    -The script suggests that the French public should support independent media by contributing to platforms like OFF Investigation, which aim to provide unbiased and investigative journalism.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Interview with Jean-Baptiste Riou

The script begins with an interview setting, introducing Jean-Baptiste Riou, a journalist and founder of an independent media outlet, who is facing legal issues for not adhering to a non-disclosure clause after leaving Canal Plus. The conversation touches on the broader context of media control in France, the influence of Vincent Boloré, and the challenges faced by independent media in maintaining journalistic integrity and freedom of speech.

05:00

🤐 Silence Clauses and Media Control

This paragraph delves into the practice of non-disclosure agreements within media companies, particularly within the Boloré group. It highlights the issue of hundreds of people being coerced into signing these clauses, effectively silencing them. The discussion emphasizes the broader implications for democracy and the freedom of the press, as well as the personal and financial risks for those who defy these agreements.

10:00

📢 Media Independence and Public Interest

The conversation shifts to the importance of media independence and the public interest. It discusses the role of regulatory bodies like the Conseil d'État and the need for increased scrutiny over media pluralism and independence. The paragraph also touches on the potential consequences for independent media outlets like Off Investigation, which rely on public support to continue their work.

15:02

🎥 Documentary Projects and Investigative Journalism

This section focuses on the upcoming documentary projects by Off Investigation, including a film about the G8 summit protests and the relationship between French President Emmanuel Macron and American influence. The discussion underscores the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering truths and holding powerful figures accountable.

20:05

🤝 Support for Independent Media

The script concludes with a call to action, urging the audience to support independent media platforms like Off Investigation. It emphasizes the need for financial support to sustain these outlets and ensure they can continue to provide unbiased and investigative journalism in the face of corporate and political pressures.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Vincent Boloré

Vincent Boloré is a prominent French businessman and media magnate who owns several media outlets. In the video, he is criticized for his influence over French media and for allegedly using his media empire to promote his business interests and a particular political agenda. His actions are seen as a threat to journalistic independence and democracy in France.

💡Media Independence

Media independence refers to the ability of journalists and media organizations to operate without interference from external forces, such as government, corporations, or individuals. In the context of the video, this concept is crucial as it is under threat due to the actions of media owners like Boloré, who are accused of using their outlets to promote personal interests.

💡Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

NDAs are legal contracts that prevent individuals from sharing certain information with others. In the media industry, they are often used to prevent former employees from disclosing sensitive information about their employers. The video criticizes the use of NDAs as a tool to silence journalists and protect the reputation of media owners, which is seen as a violation of freedom of speech and press freedom.

💡Press Freedom

Press freedom is the ability of journalists to report news and information without censorship, restraint, or legal punishment. It is a fundamental component of a democratic society. The video emphasizes the importance of press freedom and how it is being compromised by media owners who control the narrative and silence dissenting voices.

💡Public Interest

Public interest refers to the welfare or well-being of the public. In the context of media, it involves providing information that is valuable to the public and contributes to informed decision-making. The video criticizes media outlets for not serving the public interest, instead focusing on commercial interests and political agendas.

💡Media Pluralism

Media pluralism is the diversity of media voices and viewpoints available to the public. It is essential for a democratic society as it ensures a range of perspectives are represented. The video discusses the lack of media pluralism in France, where a few powerful individuals control the majority of media outlets, leading to a homogenized and biased media landscape.

💡Investigation Persécuté

Investigation Persécuté (Harassed Investigation) refers to the challenges faced by investigative journalists when they pursue stories that may expose powerful individuals or entities. The video discusses the personal and professional consequences that journalists like Jean-Baptiste Rivot face when they engage in investigative journalism that threatens the interests of influential media owners.

💡Parliamentary Inquiry

A parliamentary inquiry is an investigation conducted by a legislative body to examine specific issues or allegations. In the video, the mention of a parliamentary inquiry suggests that there is an official effort to investigate and potentially address the concerns raised about media ownership and journalistic freedom.

💡Media Regulation

Media regulation involves the oversight and control of media content and practices by a regulatory body to ensure compliance with laws, ethical standards, and public interest obligations. The video discusses the role of ARCEP, the French media regulator, in ensuring media pluralism and independence.

💡Public Service Broadcasting

Public service broadcasting (PSB) refers to television and radio services that are funded by the public, typically through taxes or fees, and are mandated to provide content that serves the public interest, including news, educational programs, and cultural content. The video contrasts PSB with commercial media, highlighting the latter's focus on profit over public service.

Highlights

Jean-Baptiste Étienne, a journalist and founder of the independent media outlet Off, discusses his legal battle with Canal Plus.

Étienne was sued by Canal Plus for not respecting a non-disclosure agreement after leaving the company.

The journalist criticizes Vincent Boloré's influence on French media and his alleged manipulation of information.

Étienne talks about the pressure on journalists within Canal Plus and the broader media landscape in France.

He mentions the deletion of investigative reports and the censorship of content that does not align with Boloré's interests.

Étienne discusses the broader implications of media ownership and control on democracy in France.

He highlights the issue of non-disclosure agreements and how they are used to silence journalists and protect business interests.

Étienne speaks about the potential consequences of the court ruling on his financial situation and the future of Off.