The return of Radio France is unlike any other. Since this Monday, several stations, including the 44 local stations of France Bleu, have been disrupted by a strike. The reason: the reforms undertaken by the group’s management, deemed contrary to the public service mission.
In Nice, the employees of France Bleu Azur have joined the movement. For Sébastien Germain, staff representative of France Bleu Azur and member of the CGT, this return signifies a profound degradation. “Today, everything is done to reduce the presence of local news. It is not a strategic choice; it is an economic and political choice,” he denounces.
For several years, the time slots for news have been reduced in favor of music. A choice assumed by management as an editorial evolution, but experienced by employees as a loss of meaning. He recalls that fifteen years ago, France Bleu established itself as an essential network thanks to its proximity. “We had very high ratings because we offered local news, we were on the ground.” Today, this model is severely weakened.
A massive protest
The social movement has reached an unprecedented scale: even France Inter, the leading radio station in France, was affected by the back-to-school strike. Never seen before. The discontent is not confined to Nice. Out of the 43 local stations, 41 sent an open letter to management this summer to request a halt to the reforms. No response. “Management is not hearing anything,” laments the unionist.
The mobilization remains difficult to sustain. Many hosts cannot afford to strike for multiple days. “Before, we could afford it. Today, some have no choice but to keep working despite their opposition,” regrets Sébastien Germain.
Despite these difficulties, anger remains strong. For the strikers, it’s about defending local journalism and the public service mission. “If we disappear from the field, we make way for rumors and fake news,” warns the CGT representative. To be continued…
