Overview
- Over roughly four and a half hours on December 10, Delphine Ernotte told lawmakers that neutrality is an "absolute requirement" and announced a new cross-company deontology directorate applying the same standards to in‑house and externally produced programs.
- The Cour des comptes issued a rare clarification the day before the hearing, denying any email pressure to delay its September report and stressing its independence after it labeled France Télévisions’ finances "critical" and urged structural reforms.
- Financial questions dominated part of the session, with rapporteur Charles Alloncle alleging cumulative deficits and warning of insolvency risks without state recapitalization, while Ernotte cited substantial savings and pointed to decisions set by the state "tutelle."
- Exchanges grew heated, prompting a temporary suspension after interruptions from some deputies, and Ernotte pledged written follow‑ups on specific content grievances raised by members.
- Further hearings will question Radio France leaders and named journalists next week, with the cross-party commission set to deliver a non‑binding report in spring 2026 against a projected €65 million budget cut next year.