On November 20, 2024, the French Parliament approved a significant reform to secure the funding of public audiovisual media, including France Télévisions and Radio France.

The vote demonstrated strong support, with 119 deputies in favor and only six against, allowing for swift implementation without amendments from the Senate.

The government emphasized that avoiding direct funding from the state budget is crucial for maintaining the independence of public audiovisual services.

The reform maintains the funding mechanism established after the abolition of the television license fee in 2022, relying on an annual allocation of state tax and a fraction of VAT.

This reform also averted a potential privatization of public broadcasting, a threat posed by far-right parties in upcoming legislative elections.

The decision reflects a collective mobilization among public broadcasting entities and parliamentarians, underscoring the democratic importance of public media.

Delphine Ernotte-Cunci, president of France Télévisions, welcomed the reform, stating it ensures stable and independent funding from 2025 onward.

Despite the approval, the funding issue remains unresolved as the transitional mechanism replacing the abolished license fee is set to expire at the end of the year.

The reform aims to preserve the funding structure established two years ago, ensuring that public broadcasting remains financially viable.

While left-wing parties supported the reform, they criticized the government's approach as 'imperious' and called for a universal and progressive license fee in the future.

Over the past year, public audiovisual companies faced numerous challenges, including a proposed merger led by Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati praised the vote, highlighting its role in preserving the funding and independence of public broadcasting.