TF1

TF1 is a private French TV network, controlled by TF1 Group, which is majority owned by Bouygues. TF1's 35% average market share, achieved on the ménagères de moins de 50 ans audience segment (house-wives less than 50 years old) makes it the most popular domestic network. TF1 is the crown jewel of the TF1 Group of mass media companies, which also includes Eurosport, the largest European sports network.

Criticism

Critics of TF1 contend that its news coverage is slanted towards supporting right-wing politicians — they were in particular accused of supporting Édouard Balladur in the 1995 presidential elections, and of overstating crime during the 2002 electoral campaign to tilt the balance in favor of incumbent president Jacques Chirac, who campaigned on law-strengthening proposals.

Related Topics:
Right-wing - Politician - Édouard Balladur - 1995 - Presidential - Crime - 2002 - Jacques Chirac

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In addition, it is occasionally alleged that news reports from TF1 tend to ignore issues yielding a bad light on their parent group (Bouygues), while stressing problems of competitors (such as Vinci).

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They also contend that TF1's news coverage focusses on anecdotes and on sensationalism, and that their programming often deserves the trash TV name. Getting a 40% market share on every program is TF1's primary objective, dictated by the necessity of justifying advertising prices, so shows which fail this benchmark significantly get off air very quickly.

Related Topics:
Anecdote - Sensationalism

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Such criticism is heavy in the satirical show Les Guignols de l'Info, broadcast on rival private network Canal Plus.

Related Topics:
Les Guignols de l'Info - Canal Plus

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