Les médias agitent les peurs ? Natacha Polony répond.

The speaker, a journalist, discusses the role of journalism beyond merely reporting news. They emphasize the duty of journalists to be aware of their democratic role, seeking the truth without claiming ownership of it. Independence is key, as journalists should not dictate opinions but provide information and insights for citizens to form their own views. The speaker criticizes the rise of activist journalists and the confusion between journalism and the role of a priest, which is to dictate right and wrong. They also express concern about the media's loss of public trust and the need for media revolution, advocating for intellectual honesty and responsibility.

The paragraph addresses the challenges faced by journalism in maintaining media pluralism and economic viability. The speaker discusses the impact of social networks and the rise of media niches catering to specific opinions, leading to a fractured national community. They highlight the need for journalists to be aware of these changes and for media to evolve. The economic model of journalism is questioned, with the rise of Google and Facebook capturing most advertising revenues, affecting the survival of traditional media. The speaker calls for a reflection on the independence of media and the role of GAFAM (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft) in determining the visibility and survival of media outlets.

The speaker stresses the importance of journalists thinking against themselves to avoid reflexive thinking and to maintain a long-term perspective. They argue that this self-contradiction is an essential exercise to ensure that all aspects of a story are considered and that conclusions are thoroughly reasoned. The speaker also warns against the influence of social networks, which can lead to immediate reactions and a focus on a single topic, at the expense of in-depth analysis and reflection.

The paragraph discusses the necessity of media independence and the challenges posed by economic interests. The speaker is concerned about the potential for media to be owned by industrial groups or foreign entities, which could compromise their independence. They argue for a diverse range of media owners and caution against the dangers of concentration. The speaker also touches on the issue of soft power and the need for media to counterbalance the influence of foreign powers.

The speaker discusses the threats to democracy, particularly the decision of the Conseil d'État regarding the role of ARCOM (the French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communications). They express concern about the potential for news channels to become opinion channels, leading to a lack of pluralism. The speaker argues that ARCOM must ensure pluralism across all media and not just during political talk shows. They also mention the need for media to maintain a democratic debate and the ability for people to discuss differing views.

The paragraph focuses on the political landscape reshaped by Emmanuel Macron's rise to power. The speaker discusses how Macron's policies have further complicated the traditional left-right political spectrum. They explore the concept of false alternation in politics, where the same neoliberal policies are pursued by both conservative and liberal governments, leading to disillusionment among voters. The speaker also addresses the challenge of creating an opposition discourse that avoids extremism and calls for a republican opposition to authoritarian centrism.

The speaker delves into the paradox of Macron's neoliberalism, characterized by high taxes and a strong state, despite neoliberalism typically advocating for deregulation and tax reduction. They discuss how Macron's policies are both a product of globalization and the French administrative tradition. The speaker also addresses the challenges France faces in maintaining its social model within an increasingly competitive global economy and the need for a reevaluation of the market and competition.

The paragraph criticizes Macron's leadership style as authoritarian, arguing that it is a form of centrism that suppresses democratic expression. The speaker links this to the broader crisis of democracy resulting from adherence to neoliberal policies that disregard the will of the people. They discuss Macron's use of executive power, such as the 49.3 constitutional provision to force through pension reforms without a parliamentary vote, as an example of this authoritarianism.

The speaker condemns the use of fear by governments and media as a means of manipulation and control. They discuss the democratic deficit in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and the infringement on individual liberties. The speaker argues for a democratic system that empowers citizens to make informed decisions, rather than one that instills fear and restricts choice.

The speaker emphasizes the media's role in intellectually nurturing citizens and facilitating informed decision-making. They discuss the potential of pop culture to serve as an educational tool, but caution against the dominance of the entertainment industry, which may not foster critical thinking or diverse perspectives. The speaker also distinguishes between mass culture, driven by profit, and popular culture, which can foster social bonds and democratic exchange.

The speaker highlights the growing cultural and intellectual inequalities in the digital age. They express concern over the digital divide, where a portion of the population becomes increasingly knowledgeable and adept at critical thinking, while others are left behind, consuming superficial content. The speaker calls for the maintenance of independent media to counteract this trend and to promote a well-informed citizenry capable of participating in democracy.