The French media regulatory authority, Arcom, has decided to shut down two television channels, C8 from the Vincent Bolloré group and NRJ12 from the Jean-Paul Baudecroux group. This is a first in France, the country of human rights and freedom of expression. Or rather, not exactly, as Paris had banned the broadcasting of RT Russia over a year ago, suspecting it of relaying opinions close to the Kremlin. This decision by Arcom will be remembered: a heavy and compact stone has fallen into the garden of freedom of expression, so dear to the homeland of Rousseau, Voltaire, and Diderot. Those rejoicing in France do not yet understand that media control can become a bottomless pit.

The French Left and Right are torn over this double ban starting from the beginning of 2025. Most members of Arcom are appointed by the French political power. The president of this media regulatory authority is appointed by the President of the French Republic. For some, the disappearance of this television channel, with its flagship show TPMP hosted by Cyril Hanouna, is an act of political censorship. For others, after multiple fines and warnings, it is simply a fair consequence and respect for the rules, even though some public media do not hide their orientation towards the Left or even the far Left.

Nevertheless, this precedent in the French media universe creates discomfort in society. A French society already fractured and divided, with the results of the recent legislative elections only adding to these fractures. Freedom of expression in France has always been a sacred prerequisite in this country. By infringing on this foundational pillar of the French spirit, the current power gives the impression of wanting to impose an ideology of thought. There used to be "two irreconcilable Lefts," to quote former Socialist Prime Minister Manuel Valls. This political decision to shut down two media outlets risks leaving behind two irreconcilable Frances.