Concern had spread widely among the 750 French community radio stations after the announcement of the 35% reduction in the Radio Expression Support Fund (FSER), or 10.4 million euros in aid, as part of the 2025 Finance Bill (PLF). But faced with unanimous opposition from the sector and the adoption of an amendment by the Cultural Affairs Committee, the government finally backpedaled, Tuesday October 29, by deciding to maintain the credits at the level of the year 2024, i.e. 35.7 million euros.
Despite general relief, the unions nevertheless remain “ vigilant » et « mobilizeds”, they warned in a press release, the bill not being definitively voted on by the Assembly until November 19. Vigilance is also required among the thousands of little hands who keep community radio stations alive. These have indeed clearly noted the unprecedented nature of the budget cut proposal. “A blow from the guillotine”according to Sylvain Delfau, co-president of the National Union of Free Radios (SNRL). Never, until now, have these subsidies been called into question. And nothing indicates that the decision, in the extremestheir maintenance this year prevents a planer in the future.
An “already difficult” context
The outcry highlights the essential and fragile place of community radio in the French landscape. First appearing clandestinely in the form of “pirate radios” or “free radios” in the 1970s, these non-profit and independent structures multiplied from 1981, when the State gave up the broadcasting monopoly. .
Today numbering 750, most of these “last mile radios” are located in rural areas or in medium-sized towns, and mobilize more than 2,500 employees and 30,000 volunteers throughout France, according to an Arcom report in 2023. Unlike their cousins in the private or public service, the The financing of community radio stations is largely based on the Radio Expression Support Fund (FSER), which represents on average 30% of their overall allocation. “ The rest of our funding comes from local authorities, local partners, donations and advertising, which is capped at 20%,” explains Sylvain Delfau, also director of Radio Laser, based south of Rennes since 1992.
« The FSER allows us to maintain our independence by not being subject to anyfinancial group », underlines the director of Radio Laser, who receives nearly €220,000 in this context. “ Take away this aid from us? This would lead to eliminating at least one position, and cutting us off from a population pool. », adds Stéphane Tremblay, director of the Savoyard branches of Radio Chrétienne Francophone (RCF).
Especially since such cuts would weaken the radio stations in a “ already difficult financial context “. At issue: the exponential rise in energy prices and transmitters, the costs imposed by the large-scale deployment of dual broadcasting – by DAB + in addition to FM –, the gradual decline in public contributions to subsidized contracts or further competition from major online listening platforms. “ It’s in our DNA to do a lot with a little. But by doing more with less, it becomes complicated », deplores Stéphane Tremblay.
The voice of the territories
Beyond these difficulties, radio stations above all highlight their local social mission. “ We cultivate listening through information with and for residents », Underlines Marie Picard, director of Radio Grenouille, based in Friche la belle de mai, on the outskirts of the northern districts of Marseille. In addition to its programs, Radio Grenouille organizes sets outside its studios and open to the public as well as concerts: “ We participate in local cultural and artistic emergence and open spaces for discussion. A public radio station does not have this link with its inhabitants », Supports the director.
The guarantee of a link “intimate” with its listeners is also at the heart of the approach of RCF and its 64 local branches, recalls Stéphane Tremblay: “ We strive to make those who do not have a voice speak, and to connect Christians who are sometimes isolated in rural areas. » Armelle Roche, 64, has been a faithful listener of Christian radio for forty years. “ I appreciate quality information and times of prayer that I don't find elsewhere. This makes me want to stay faithful to RCF, to my radio », says this Lyonnaise.
For Marie Picard, from Radio Grenouille, the question of financing community radio stations has taken on a symbolic dimension since the budgetary episode: “ Attacking our radio stations means attacking the guarantee of media pluralism and local democracy. » A threat that weighs on the audiovisual sector as a whole, while the government is preparing, according to Télérama, to reduce its annual budget by 45 million euros.
