Radio France Unions Protest Hiring of 'Valeurs Actuelles' Journalist as Political Commentator

A controversy has erupted at Radio France, with two major unions publicly denouncing the planned appointment of Charles Sapin, the deputy editor-in-chief of the magazine 'Valeurs Actuelles,' as a political commentator on the public radio station France Inter. The unions have labeled the decision an "unacceptable red line."

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This is an unacceptable red line and the management of France Inter is shaming us.

The SNJ-CGT union strongly condemned the move, characterizing 'Valeurs Actuelles' as an "organ of the extreme right" and stating that the management of France Inter was bringing shame upon them. The SNJ (National Union of Journalists) echoed these sentiments in a separate statement, arguing that this decision makes Radio France appear as a "doormat." They referenced 'Valeurs Actuelles' alleged active participation in a "campaign of denigration" against public broadcasting over the past year, particularly concerning accusations of bias favoring the left, which led to a parliamentary inquiry.

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This decision makes Radio France appear as a doormat.

Radio France management defended the decision, asserting it aligns with a broader objective to "organize the conversation among all opinions." They emphasized that this approach is crucial for "pluralism," a core mission of public service broadcasting, especially in a presidential election year. The management highlighted Sapin's reputation as a "journalist recognized by his peers."

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organize the conversation among all opinions

Sapin, who previously worked at 'Le Point,' is set to join a panel of political and economic commentators. This panel aims to represent "all tendencies" and will feature rotating guests on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Other confirmed commentators include Anne Rosencher and Christian Chavagneux on Fridays, Camille Vigogne Le Coat and Béatrice Mathieu on Saturdays, and Leila Abboud alongside Sapin on Sundays.

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pluralism