CNews, a conservative television channel owned by right-wing billionaire Vincent Bolloré, has emerged as France’s most-watched news outlet despite criticism and regulatory sanctions.
The rise underscores a widening gap between media regulators, political elites, and a viewing public–one that appears increasingly unmoved by institutional disapproval of the content of the channel.
CNews, the news channel of the Canal+ Group, led all competitors in 2025, figures released yesterday by Médiamétrie show.
It achieved an average audience share of 3.4 per cent, well ahead of its direct rival BFMTV (2.8 per cent), LCI (2 per cent), and the public broadcaster Franceinfo (0.9 per cent).
The results show a dramatic shift in the French media landscape.
“The facts are clear: the French people have chosen us. This momentum and contribution to French democracy will continue in 2026,” said Gérald-Brice Viret, CEO of Canal+ France, in charge of its programmes and channels.
Today, France’s media regulator Arcom put Cnews under formal notice for statements made on air about immigration or Islam that could incite “discrimination”.
CNews also faced mounting criticism and legal pressure throughout 2025.
In November, state-owned news outlet France Télévisions and Radio France filed complaints against CNews and two other conservative outlets owned by Vincent Bolloré.
The state-funded broadcaster sought €1.5 million in damages over alleged defamatory coverage and unfair competition.
Earlier in April, CNews was also placed under investigation by the media regulator Arcom over its coverage of Marine Le Pen’s conviction.
Authorities said they would review whether the channel met legal requirements on pluralism and editorial honesty while covering Le Pen’s trial and conviction.
In 2024, Arcom also pledged to exercise tighter controls over CNews, citing the need for pluralism and independence of the information.
Created in 2017, CNews has managed to increase its audience with record growth in less than ten years, copying in part the model of the US’s Fox News.
In 2024, the channel pulled even with BFMTV.
Many political commentators in France often identify CNews as a “far-right” news channel.
This success has been driven by programmes that have become iconic, such as L’Heure des Pros with TV Host Pascal Praud, with 700,000 viewers every day.
Right-wing French lawmaker Éric Ciotti, an ally of the National Rally, welcomed the rankings and called them an “historic result.”
“Freedom has been overwhelmingly endorsed by the French,” he added, echoing CNews’ own portrayal of itself as a defender of free speech.
