“Who wants the death of local community radio stations? » In a post on its Facebook account, Balistiq, the Castelroussine community radio station, relays a joint press release from the National Union of Free Radios (SNRL) and the National Confederation of Community Radios (CNRA), Tuesday October 15, 2024.
“Despite a maintained budget from the Ministry of Culture, the Support Fund for Radio Expression (FSER) managed by the General Directorate of Media and Cultural Industries (DGMIC) suffers a drastic cut of 35%, or more than 10 million euros, underlines the press release. This decline hits hard a vital sector for the democratic and cultural expression of our country: local community radio stations. »
“Throughout the territory, our radio stations provide a close link with citizens, create social bonds, promote diversity of opinions, give voice to those who are often deprived of it, open their microphones to local stakeholders…”
“A real blow from the guillotine”
“Today, our entire model is in jeopardy. The consequences of this sharp cut in the economic functioning of community radio stations will be clear: direct impact on employment, even though we are the second largest employer in the radio sector. More broadly, it is the very existence of our radio stations that is threatened. »
« Thanks to the support of the FSER, they offer an unrivaled diversity of programs produced by animation professionals, journalists and passionate volunteers. How can we understand such a decision, which risks stifling local voices and diversity in our territories? »
“This is not an economic plan, but a real guillotine move. Is this execution recorded, decided, desired and assumed? »asks the press release.
The SNRL and the CNRA call “all parliamentarians to become aware of the deadly dimension of this proposal and to act to safeguard the diversity and vitality of community radio in France. We also ask local elected officials to mobilize to avoid the disappearance of these small businesses anchored in their territories, as well as the loss of jobs for their employees. »
