Political row as report calls for sweeping cuts to French public broadcasting

Inquiry set up by rightwing politician recommends merging major channels and slashing TV entertainment budgets by 75%

French politicians on the left and centre have criticised a parliament inquiry report that recommends sweeping cuts to public broadcasting, with a row over culture wars building before next year’s presidential election.

State broadcasting is a key topic in the run-up to next April’s vote. The far right, which is leading in the polls, is highly critical of public TV and radio and is vowing to privatise it.