France has announced that it will be clamping down on advertising on its TV and Radio news programmes and will no longer allow news anchors to say the words “Facebook” and “Twitter” on air, unless the terms are used within part of a news story about either company.
The announcement is due to a law that was passed in France back in 1992 which forbids the promotion of commercial enterprises on news programs. So phrases such as “follow us on Twitter or Facebook” will now be replaced with, for example, “Follow us on your social network of choice.”
Background of the Law
The 1992 law, known as the “Loi Evin,” was originally designed to prevent the promotion of alcohol and tobacco products on television and radio. Over the years, its scope has expanded to include other commercial enterprises. The rationale behind this law is to maintain a level playing field for all businesses and to prevent any single company from gaining an unfair advantage through free advertising on public airwaves. This law is particularly relevant in today’s digital age, where social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have become dominant players in the information and advertising landscape.
Christine Kelly, a spokesperson for the French broadcasting authority, explains:
“Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars, when there are many other social networks that are struggling for recognition? This would be a distortion of competition. If we allow Facebook and Twitter to be cited on air, it’s opening a Pandora’s Box – other social networks will complain to us saying, ‘why not us?'”
Implications for Media and Social Networks
The decision has significant implications for both media outlets and social networks. For media companies, this means they will need to find new ways to engage with their audience without directly mentioning these popular platforms. This could lead to a more diverse range of social networks being used by news organizations, potentially giving smaller or emerging platforms a chance to gain traction.
For social networks, particularly Facebook and Twitter, the ban represents a loss of free publicity. These platforms have become integral to how news is disseminated and consumed, and being excluded from on-air mentions could impact their user engagement in France. However, it also opens up opportunities for other social networks to fill the void, potentially leading to a more competitive and diverse social media landscape.
Moreover, this move could set a precedent for other countries to follow. If successful, other nations might consider implementing similar regulations to ensure fair competition among social networks and other commercial enterprises.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some people support the move, arguing that it promotes fairness and prevents the monopolization of media space by a few large corporations. Others believe it is an unnecessary restriction that complicates the way news organizations interact with their audience.
Critics argue that the law is outdated and does not take into account the modern realities of digital communication. They point out that social media platforms are not just commercial enterprises but also essential tools for information dissemination and public engagement. By restricting mentions of Facebook and Twitter, they argue, the law could inadvertently stifle the flow of information.
On the other hand, supporters of the ban argue that it encourages media literacy and diversity. By not giving undue preference to any single platform, the law promotes a more varied and inclusive media environment. This could lead to a healthier digital ecosystem where multiple platforms coexist and compete on a more level playing field.
What are your thoughts? Do you think France is right to ban the social networks from being mentioned on its news channels? This debate is likely to continue as the media landscape evolves and new platforms emerge.
Source: Yahoo News: French Image
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
