Overview
- France’s National Assembly inquiry on public broadcasting heard Patrick Cohen and Thomas Legrand on December 18 in a probe initiated by Éric Ciotti’s UDR after a covertly recorded September video.
- Cohen accused Bolloré-linked outlets of a boundless propaganda campaign and “espionage disguised as journalism,” pointing to 853 CNews segments on the affair between September 6 and 20.
- He said three distinct legal proceedings are underway over the recording, with both journalists disputing the edited footage and having lodged complaints.
- Cohen declined to condemn Legrand’s remark about Rachida Dati, saying he trusted his colleague’s intent, while Legrand argued the phrase was taken out of context and noted his weekly show was removed.
- Questioned on prior work and pay, Cohen defended his independence, acknowledged he “might have been more prudent” in phrasing a 2023 editorial, and refused to disclose exact remuneration.