In a constantly evolving media context, Thierry Thuillier, deputy director general of information at the TF1 group, is committed to creating a balanced information platform. His intervention aims to restore equal opportunities in access to information, thus representing the interests of LCI while forming alliances with competing channels such as BFMTV and CNews. In a recent interview, he expressed his desire to evolve the rules governing news channels in France.
A call for the revision of channel numbering
In an interview with Figaro on August 29, 2024, Thierry Thuillier discussed the need for a revision of the criteria for numbering news channels on DTT. Currently, LCI, positioned on channel 26, is at a disadvantage compared to direct competitors like BFMTV (channel 15) and CNews (channel 16). This situation, according to him, constitutes a major handicap for attracting a wider audience.
The creation of a news channel block and its benefits
Thierry Thuillier advocates for the formation of a news channel block, seen as a historic opportunity for LCI to strengthen its position. He argues that this initiative would not only benefit LCI but also the entire media architecture in France. By bringing together LCI, BFMTV, CNews, and Franceinfo, he believes it would help to strengthen pluralism and improve the service provided to the public.
A call to act for equal opportunities
“We want to create a balance of opportunities in the media competition,” Thuillier emphasized, adding that high audience figures are crucial. Currently, BFMTV attracts around 12 million viewers per day, CNews has 9 million, while LCI only reaches about 6 million. For him, this disparity should not persist if we wish to maintain a diversity of opinions and a healthy debate.
A history of collaboration and rivalry
This need to group news channels is not new. Already in February 2020, Thierry Thuillier had expressed the wish for a form of rapprochement between the main news channels. Despite competitive trajectories, he remains convinced that collaboration is possible and desirable for the benefit of the entire media landscape. Strengthening equal opportunities could help overcome old rivalries by emphasizing the importance of diverse and accessible information for all.
Renegotiation of LCI’s agreement with Arcom
As the start of the school year in 2024 approaches, Thierry Thuillier is also focusing on renegotiating LCI’s current agreement with Arcom, which he considers too restrictive. He advocates for a framework similar to that of BFMTV, allowing for greater flexibility in choosing program schedules. This change, in his view, would facilitate the conquest of a broader audience and strengthen LCI’s position in a rapidly changing market.
Future prospects
In his projections, Thuillier estimates that LCI could achieve economic balance by 2025, thus reinforcing the idea of a promising future for the continuous news landscape. The creation of a balanced information platform would represent a real turning point in access to information, allowing every citizen to have a voice and a place in the public debate.
