France’s 2027 presidential election: RSF unveils 10 priorities for press freedom and calls on candidates to act

The French presidential race is unfolding against a backdrop of mounting obstacles to journalism: physical attacks on journalists, threats to media pluralism in the broadcasting sector, abusive proceedings known as strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), the financial squeeze on media outlets, the weakening of local news, the growing influence of digital platforms over the circulation of information and the heightened risks of information manipulation fuelled by artificial intelligence and foreign interference. France ranked 25th in RSF's 2026 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting significant shortcomings in the protection of the right to information.

These problems have been well documented for years, but political action has lagged. Two years after the conclusions of the National Forum on Information, the far-reaching reforms promised to strengthen media independence and pluralism remain stalled.

With its 10 proposals, RSF aims to hold presidential candidates accountable, urging them to move beyond broad statements and make specific commitments about what they will do if elected.

From protecting journalists and safeguarding media independence to ensuring access to information and holding digital players accountable, RSF's 10 proposals set out a policy agenda designed to address the challenges facing democracy. In particular, RSF is calling for support for journalism, safeguards against political and economic interference, and measures to respond to technological change - all with the same goal: to ensure that everyone can effectively exercise their right to reliable, independent, and pluralistic information.

RSF's 10 proposals to ensure reliable, independent, and pluralistic information in France

1. Make the right to reliable information a "major national cause" in 2027.
2. Promote access to reliable information and strengthen ties between journalists and the public.
3. Launch a national plan to support local news.
4. Strengthen protections for journalists and their sources, notably against SLAPPs.
5. Ensure the long-term independence and funding of public service media.
6. Provide newsrooms with effective safeguards against interference by media owners.
7. Reform media ownership concentration rules.
8. Safeguard media pluralism in the digital age.
9. Protect the integrity of information against threats posed by artificial intelligence and foreign interference.
10. Make France a safe haven for journalists forced into exile.