Report on the representation of diversity of French society in the media - 2013-2023

Introduction

The French regulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication (Arcom) is responsible for contributing, within its sphere of competence, to actions in favor of social cohesion and the fight against discrimination. In particular, it ensures that broadcasters reflect the diversity of French society.

In addition to its day-to-day activities, which lead it to intervene when programs are likely to incite hatred or encourage discriminatory behavior, in 2009 Arcom adopted a resolution (Appendix 1) aimed at promoting the representation of diversity of French society on the airwaves, by encouraging editors' commitments in this area.

It is expected, on the one hand, that the on-air representation of society should reflect all its constituent profiles and, on the other, that it should contribute to reducing the discrimination that fractures society.

To measure developments in the representation of society on television, Arcom has been publishing an annual barometer since 2009, providing quantitative and qualitative indicators on the perception of society represented on air. This barometer is a tool made available to publishers to help them achieve the objectives set by law and set out in the regulatory scheme made provision for by Arcom.

More than ten years after their entry into force, this report examines, over the period 2013-2023, the initiatives taken by audiovisuel communication publishers, the steps taken by Arcom to promote fair representation of diversity as well as their measured effects, and the actions taken by the Authority to fight agains discrimination through its interventions with publishers.

It highlights the progress made and the challenges that remain, in a context marked by growing awareness of diversity and equality challenges.