As the 2026 municipal elections approach, the Club de la Presse Méditerranée 06 has proposed establishing a charter of good conduct between journalists and candidates. The goal is to reduce tensions, clarify practices in the print media, and remind everyone of their commitments.
Electoral periods often create tensions; that is a fact. Candidates aim for the election results. Journalists seek comprehensive coverage and, as balanced as possible (at least that is what we strive to do). The Club de la Presse Méditerranée 06 has therefore invited candidates running in the municipal race in Nice. It reminds that these tensions are not new. The 2026 municipal campaign is not expected to escape this observation. Thus, the Club wishes to anticipate.
The organization highlights a central issue for editorial teams, explaining that the main risk for newsrooms is not respecting fairness among candidates. Print media is not subject to the same rules as audiovisual media. The law imposes control of speaking time for radio and television. This is not the case for print or web articles, which understandably leads to frequent criticism. Some candidates feel they are less visible, while others criticize an excessive focus on their competitors.
A document to frame practices
This morning, the Club de la Presse Méditerranée 06 proposed the signing of a charter (signed by Nice Premium), based on voluntary adherence. Its objective is clear: to provide a common framework. The text sets commitments for journalists, including the fundamental rule: the obligation to verify information. The charter also emphasizes the clarity of sources and the quick correction of errors. It insists on fair treatment and on refusing any confusion between journalism and communication. Journalists have a duty of transparency towards institutions and their readership in a certain way.
Candidates are also concerned. The text asks them to facilitate exchanges. Teams must remain accessible and respond to inquiries. The charter reminds them of a simple principle: to provide accurate information. It also specifies not to spread false information about opponents or media. Respect for journalists is among the commitments. The reception at events, the conditions of recording or interviewing, must remain appropriate.
The charter emphasizes reciprocal commitments. It calls for peaceful dialogue. It mentions the need for a calm atmosphere to ensure a democratic debate. Verbal violence, intimidation, or pressure are excluded. In case of disagreement, the text recommends exchanging before making any public communication. The right of reply is reminded, in accordance with the law.
The Club de la Presse Méditerranée 06 has brought together about sixty journalists and thirty communicators since 1997 and aims to be a driving force, as exemplified by the establishment of this charter. It does not replace the law but proposes a method that the attending candidates and journalists, including Nice Premium, have committed to uphold. Editorial teams and candidates can refer to it in case of dispute. The Club de la Presse Méditerranée 06 hopes it will contribute to a campaign more readable for voters.
The issue is simple: to ensure clear information. The 2026 municipal elections will be a significant moment for Nice. This charter aims to remind that public debate relies above all on trust. On Nice Premium, every candidate wishing to express themselves will be welcome and will be entitled to the same number of publications as their opponents. For informational purposes, several lists have still not contacted the editorial team and are invited to do so promptly to uphold this commitment.
Every Saturday, the editorial team currently offers until mid-March a retrospective of the candidates’ news for the municipal election in Nice.
