The Society of Journalists (SDJ) of “Paris Match” expressed its disagreement on Friday, December 22 with the choice of the latest issue’s cover, which was devoted to a Christmas crib in a Parisian home belonging to the main shareholder of the weekly, Vincent Bolloré.
“With the headline ‘A Christmas of hopes’, the cover shows this illuminated crib and its figurines, at the Jean-Bosco home that welcomes students in the 16th arrondissement of the capital.”
The SDJ “strongly worries about the evolution of the magazine’s editorial line and asks Lagardère News management for clarifications,” it said on X (formerly Twitter).
The SDJ is questioning “these new contributors outside of the newspaper, known for their positions as traditionalist Catholics” and whose articles “are more related to religious exposition than reports.”
“We are concerned about what appears to be a new editorial line,” concludes the association, requesting clarification “on this evolution, breaking with the identity of our magazine.” Interviewed by AFP, the management of Lagardère News declined to comment.
Bolloré close to traditionalist Catholic circles
Lagardère, which owns “Paris Match,” as well as “le JDD” and Europe 1, has been under the full control of Vivendi since November 21, a media giant controlled by the family of billionaire Vincent Bolloré, known for his ultra-conservative opinions and himself close to traditionalist Catholic circles.
The three main editorial offices of the Lagardère group have regularly experienced disruptions since this progressive takeover.
In the summer of 2022, the former editor-in-chief of politics and economics at “Paris Match,” Bruno Jeudy, was removed from his position after the publication of a contested cover dedicated to the ultra-conservative cardinal, Robert Sarah. A vote of censure was passed against the management.
She was replaced by Laurence Ferrari, also presenter on CNews, owned by Vivendi. Last June, a member of the SDJ of “Paris Match,” who had expressed concern about interference from Vincent Bolloré in the magazine’s editorial choices, was fired.
