Auditions of the French National Assembly’s inquiry commission on public broadcasting’s neutrality, operations, and funding ended on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, with Delphine Ernotte, CEO of France Télévisions. Over 200 hours of hearings and nearly 250 people questioned marked these five and a half months of work launched in late November 2025. Rapporteur Charles Alloncle will present his conclusions to deputies before month’s end.
The commission of inquiry, chaired by Jérémie Patrier-Leitus (Horizons), conducted 67 hearings involving 234 protagonists in total, according to the president. Exchanges were often tense, with standout moments like Xavier Niel’s April 2 hearing, where he accused Charles Alloncle of turning “this commission into a circus” and spreading “fake news.” Vincent Bolloré, heard on March 24, called himself the “perfect scapegoat.”
Charles Alloncle, UDR deputy from Hérault and rapporteur, highlighted dysfunctions during hearings, including challenged neutrality, mismanagement of public funds, and potential conflicts of interest. He said he has ten days to draft his report, aiming for “about thirty most pragmatic, applicable, and ideology-free recommendations,” with “very strong measures” against revealed drifts.
Other clashes pitted Nagui against Alloncle over his pay, Léa Salamé defending her journalistic independence despite her relationship with Raphaël Glucksmann, and internal tensions like Alloncle’s accusation of a threat by Erwan Balanant (“Don’t worry, we’ll sort you out”). At France Télévisions, staff hope for changes after these revelations.
Jérémie Patrier-Leitus noted the commission uncovered “shortcomings and dysfunctions” but also “advances,” fueling reflection on public broadcasting’s role.
