Roch-Olivier Maistre, president of the French audiovisual regulator Arcom, recently addressed pressing concerns surrounding the digital media sphere during interviews conducted on January 21, 2025. His statements come at a time of significant shifts among public figures on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. With many personalities leaving the platform, Maistre believes it is imperative not to abandon the fight against misinformation. "The debate is legitimate. The question is: do we abandon the ground of the fight against misinformation or do we continue?" he stated during his appearance on France Inter.
Located within the broader European regulatory framework, Maistre emphasized the importance of competition of ideas and the necessity to address illegitimate content through regulation. "We are lucky to be on a continent attempting to regulate these large digital actors for the first time, following principles of freedom protected by the Digital Services Act (DSA)." This legislation aims to protect user freedoms without regulating content directly but rather reinforces the responsibility of platforms to eliminate illegal materials.
Maistre’s comments came alongside discussions about the recent reshuffling of the free television channels on France’s TNT platform. The new numbering system faced criticism, particularly from Cyril Hanouna of C8, who deemed it detrimental to freedom of expression. Responding to Hanouna's claims, Maistre clarified, "Frequencies belong to the nation and are attributed for limited durations. The competition worked, allowing the French populace to select two new channels based on established criteria." This remark highlights the democratic nature of channel assignments and the regulatory framework supporting it.
Maistre noted the increased concentration of media ownership and stressed the need to safeguard pluralism. "It is important to monitor the economic model of our media, as 50% of advertising resources are shifting toward digital platforms, projected to reach 65% by 2030," he stated, hinting at the financial challenges traditional media face.
"You can't defame, insult, or undermine the dignity of individuals with racist or anti-Semitic content," echoed Maistre, asserting the importance of retaining ethical standards within public discourse. His insights shed light on the responsibility of both media organizations and individual users to uphold these standards, especially on social media where sentiment can easily spiral.
The former head of Arcom reflected on the current media environment, acknowledging the dichotomy of liberties versus societal responsibilities. He warned against the temptations to treat Arcom as "a police of thought or tribunal of opinion," advocating for adherence to the delicate balance established by French laws like the 1881 Press Law and the 1986 Communication Law. He mused, "Without freedom, there’s nothing in the world," quoting the influential writer François-René de Chateaubriand to reinforce his point.
BFM TV recently condemned Arcom’s handling of the TNT reorganization, expressing concern over its impacts on consumers. Maistre, responding to their criticisms, held firm, explaining the new arrangement promotes pluralism and allows stronger editorial projects to thrive. "It’s always within the logic of pluralism; the editorial project of BFM must be strong enough to defend itself against competition," Maistre remarked.
His tenure with Arcom is drawing to a close, as he will be succeeded by Martin Adjari effective February 2, 2025. With only weeks left to serve, Maistre noted the importance of recognizing the evolutionary path of media regulation during his six-year tenure. "The media and the French public's relationship with information has changed significantly, and regulation must adapt accordingly," he stated.
Retrospective musings during his farewell address revealed Maistre’s gratitude for the opportunities he experienced throughout his career, where he served numerous prestigious institutions. He aimed to leave behind clear messages about the challenges still present for the next president. He stated, "The first issue is surely about freedom; the second concerns pluralism; and the third is maintaining trust amid the growing skepticism surrounding media."
Maistre understands the task at hand for his successor is immense. The need to represent society's diversity accurately, alongside reinforcing rigorous ethical journalism, remains pressing. His commitment to tackling misinformation and enhancing media literacy is expected to define future regulatory efforts of Arcom.
These reflections mark the essence of Maistre's message as he prepares to depart from Arcom, bringing attention to the intersection of freedom, responsibility, and the continual evolution of media regulation. His parting words included, "I encourage everyone to cultivate their gardens and contribute positively to our shared space. His belief stands firm: the integrity of information and freedom of expression should continually champion over the pressures of conformity and chaos.">