France’s Council of State has upheld the closure of right-wing TV channel C8, fueling accusations of state censorship and media suppression.
The decision, confirming media regulator ARCOM’s withdrawal of C8’s broadcasting license, has ignited protests from politicians and media figures warning of a growing crackdown on free expression. The channel, owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, will officially go dark on February 28.
For nearly two decades, C8 played a major role in French broadcasting, consistently ranking as the top digital terrestrial TV (DTT) channel with a daily audience of over 9 million. The Canal+ group, which operates C8, slammed the ruling as an unprecedented attack on media plurality.
The controversy surrounding C8 has largely centered on its star presenter, Cyril Hanouna. Critics on the Left accused him of promoting far-right ideas, while supporters argue he provided a rare space for political diversity. Hanouna, who continues his work on Europe 1 radio, recently hosted UDR deputy Bartolomé Lenoir, who warned that shutting down C8 sets a dangerous precedent for freedom of speech in France.
The backlash has been fierce. Conservative leader Laurent Wauquiez blasted ARCOM as an “obscure administrative authority” silencing viewpoints it disapproves of. Marine Le Pen condemned the move as a major step toward ideological uniformity, while sovereignist Florian Philippot drew parallels between the decision and U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s recent warnings about censorship in Europe.
Beyond the political fallout, the closure also means job losses for 400 employees—yet, critics note, the social impact has been largely ignored by the Left. Meanwhile, Hanouna has hinted at escalating the fight, suggesting an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. With entertainment channel NRJ12 also set to shut down, concerns over government control of the media are only growing.
