Cults in France predict the end of the world in 2012

Today's look at some of the stories in the French media: we focus on the growing influence of cults in France as the Parliament publishes a report on the matter. Also: will cannabis be legalised in France? And the country's biggest TV channel, TF1, is to get rid of its reality TV shows.

MEDIAWATCH

By James CREEDON

James Creedon

Presenter

27/02/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Dance as a form of combat

In Tunisia, the "Harlem Shake" viral dance phenomenon is crystallising tensions between Islamists and those in favour of full freedom of expression - even when it's the body expressing it! We also look at France 24's own version of the dance craze. Meanwhile, what will happen to the Pope's Twitter account after his resignation? We also take a look at his post-papal wardrobe.

26/02/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

No ban for DSK book

DSK didn't succeed in having a tell-all book by a former lover banned, but his lawyers did manage to oblige its publishers to sell an "insert" with it. Marcela Iacub's "Beauty and the Beast" has caused a stir in France since extracts of it were published in Le Nouvel Observateur last week. The magazine, the writer and her publisher also have to pay €75,000 in damages to Strauss-Kahn between them.

25/02/2013 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

'Another one bites the dust'

We look at reactions to the latest scandal in the Catholic Church - the resignation of Scottish Cardinal Keith O'Brien over "inappropriate behaviour" towards four men. Also, Dominique Strauss-Kahn tries to ban a graphic book written by a former mistress. Finally, Anne Hathaway's nipples get their own Twitter handle after the actress chose a provocative dress for the Oscars ceremony.

22/02/2013 - MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

"The Grizz" v Montebourg: the battle of egos

Arnaud Montebourg has entered his third day of a stand off with American CEO Maurice Taylor. France's Industry Minister has exchanged letters with Taylor over a tyre factory that the CEO was asked to take over. The spat has descended into insults and cultural stereotypes. Also, a 104-year-old woman has a falling out with Facebook and 101-year-old man runs his last ever marathon!

21/02/2013 - MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

DSK: "Half-man, half-pig"

A French journalist has revealed all about a 7-month affair she had with Dominique Strauss-Kahn in the aftermath of the Nafissatou Diallo case. The Nouvel Observateur magazine has published extracts of "Belle et bête" (Beauty and the Beast). Marcela Iacub likens DSK to a half-man, half-pig... saying the pig in him had better qualities than the man! The book has been widely criticised, not least of all by Strauss-Kahn himself and his estranged wife Anne Sinclair.