France's top administrative court has upheld the decision to close C8, a popular TV channel, due to repetitive violations of human rights and failure to protect minors. The channel, part of the Canal+ group owned by conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore's Vivendi, will cease broadcasting on March 1 after losing its license to another bidder approved by the French media watchdog Arcom. The court upheld the decision stating that C8 had consistently failed to meet its contractual obligations, protect minors, and operate profitably.
The move sparked criticism from right-wing politicians, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen calling it a "worrying decision" favoring conformity, while conservative figures expressed concerns about limiting free expression.
The European debate over regulating speech online and on television has drawn attention from U.S. officials, including Vice-President Elon Musk, who perceive it as a threat to free speech.
Canal+ expressed regret over the court's ruling, highlighting the impact on staff and suppliers and emphasizing C8's significant viewership. Meanwhile, Arcom had fined C8 a record 3.5 million euros in 2023 for inappropriate on-air behavior, including derogatory comments toward a lawmaker.
Criticism of Bollore's media outlets for their right-leaning content and controversial programming has been mounting, fueling the ongoing debate around media regulation and freedom of expression.