Trust in the French media is experiencing a marked decline. According to the 38th barometer from La Croix/Verian/La Poste, a majority of 62% of French people believe that it is crucial to “be wary of what the media say on major current affairs issues”. This figure represents an increase of five points compared to 2023, highlighting continued distrust, as read on the website of our Anadolu colleagues.
In parallel with the publication of the report on January 14, coinciding with the Médias en Seine festival, 70% of respondents said they favor discussions with their loved ones to obtain information, surpassing television news (69%) and the regional press (63%). ). Influencers and social networks arouse notable skepticism, with distrust displayed at 74% and 64% respectively.
A relative majority of 51% say they feel “fatigue or rejection” with the news, often perceived as repetitive (44%). This feeling is accentuated by increasing anxiety and a feeling of powerlessness in the face of information (41%). Nevertheless, a marked interest in current affairs persists among 76% of respondents.
The year 2024 saw certain topics, such as the Paris Olympics and the war in Ukraine, deemed well covered. However, according to 52% of those questioned, the law on the end of life suffered from insufficient media coverage. Although the treatment of climate change is seen as improved, there is a lack of highlighting the solutions and the associated socio-economic aspects.
Finally, the barometer reveals that 81% of French people see an increase in radical opinions in the media. At the same time, 77% believe that freedom of expression is increasingly threatened. Commitment to the right to caricature remains strong, although its importance is fading among young people, pointing to the need for a balance between freedom of expression and respect for individual sensitivities, as mentioned by Anadolu.
