Coordinator of the Raje community radio in Nîmes, Alexandre Cussey speaks on the announced reduction in the Fund to support radio expression, as part of budgetary savings.
The draft budget provided, in its initial version, to reduce the Radio Expression Support Fund (FSER) by 35%. What does this mean to you, Raje?
The FSER represents between 40 and 50% of our revenue. It is a fund that was born in the 80s, with the arrival of community radio stations. Basically, it was a tax on radio and TV advertising that came back to us. Today, it is a budget line. In fact, if today the FSER were reduced by a third, we would be sitting on a quarter of our financing. We’re already sticking our tongues out, it’s not possible! There are developments that have a cost. Like the deployment of Dab+ (digital terrestrial radio), for which we are obliged to go through an external service provider. We have two employees at Raje, plus self-employed or temporary workers. It would be a big blow. And the postponement of several projects.
What was your reaction to this announcement?
First of all, it’s a blow to morale. We work hard all year round to try to keep the antenna and the association alive and to develop values that we want to defend: freedom of information, pluralism, media education… Something highlighted ‘before after the Charlie and Bataclan episodes and which is called into question This decision questions the intentions of the government. Fortunately, there were quite a few reactions: the two major unions (CNRA and SNRL) mobilized, and support was expressed. Networks, such as the current Music union, the press club, elected officials…
Including premises?
Yes, Mr. Malavieille (vice-president of the department, PC) sent a letter to the Prime Minister and Laurent Burgoa (Senator LR) asked the government a question. The City of Nîmes is also behind us, that feels good.
Your margins are limited. For example, you can’t advertise much…
Yes, the law requires that we do not make more than 20% of our turnover from advertising. But if we lose this funding, we will be forced to go beyond 20%! This is why even commercial radio stations react negatively to this budget cut among community radio stations. Finally, if tomorrow we were to experience more advertising, the editorial line and programming could be affected. Whereas today, we have a legal obligation to carry out social and local communication, or to speak about communities who do not necessarily have a voice in the media landscape.
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