The French media world challenged by technological change

These changes are a particular threat to the print press. French periodical readership is one of the most eccentric in Europe: although an average issue of a French daily is read by nearly half the population, the French are the lowest newspaper consumers in Europe. On the other hand, France is the country of the magazine: each month, 97% of the French read at least one, and on average seven different ones. Despite these encouraging figures, the paid press continues to decline and lower sales are forcing publishers to diversify, particularly on the internet.

The daily press (11 national, 54 regional papers) is dominated by the regional Ouest France, while the main national newspapers are the sports daily L’Équipe and the serious Le Figaro and Le Monde. The television press, led by TV Magazine, is the largest family of magazines; followed by the women’s press, led by Femme Actuelle. Up-market women’s magazines (Elle, Marie-Claire, Marie-France) are a particular French speciality: with their long experience in fashion and beauty, they have spread their titles throughout the world (Elle to 44 countries). Since 2005, the paid press has been competing with free press: free dailies are highly successful and free magazines are starting to emerge, with revenues rising rapidly (25% in a year).

Source : France 2008, La Documentation française