France’s top political talk show host, Cyril Hanouna, faced a warning from the media watchdog for biased election coverage favoring the far right. With controversial views on immigration and Islamism, Hanouna’s shows on C8 TV resulted in large fines for breaching political balance rules.
Hosting a radio show ahead of legislative elections, Hanouna’s program on Europe 1 has been accused of promoting the far-right Rassemblement National. The media watchdog criticized the show for its critical treatment of left-wing parties and lack of fairness in electoral news reporting.
The rightward shift in French media, reflected in outlets owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bolloré, is evident with former commentators on CNews running as far-right candidates in the election.
Subscribers only French elections poll: Far right holds large lead, with voters split in three blocs