DeKalb GA News

France has decided to shut down the C8 television channel, which leads in digital terrestrial television viewership. The regulatory authority ARCOM accused the channel of "failing to comply with broadcasting regulations" due to its lack of "diversity" and alleged excesses in programming. Owned by conservative magnate Vincent Bolloré, C8 will cease broadcasting permanently on Friday, February 28.

The decision was confirmed by the Council of State after rejecting C8’s appeal. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally party, criticized the move as a "terrible regression that validates the ayatollahs of uniform thinking."

C8 is known for hosting the controversial show Touche pas à mon poste by Cyril Hanouna and had been fined over 7.5 million euros in recent years by ARCOM for allegedly failing to respect individual rights.

The shutdown affects not only a critical media voice but also leaves 400 employees without jobs. International reactions include references to U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance's comments on censorship in Europe.

Publications like The European Conservative have warned that this sets a “dangerous precedent” for press freedom. The closure raises questions about who decides which voices are heard in a democracy.

France now faces an important debate on censorship, power, and freedom.