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

13/01/2012 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Reaction to France's AAA downgrade

MEDIAWATCH FRANCE, Fri 13/1/2012: Friday 13th certainly didn't disappoint this month - France's triple-A rating was downgraded by Standard & Poor's after months of rumours. We take a look at some of the initial analysis and reaction online.

12/01/2012 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

A 'trashy' presidential campaign

MEDIAWATCH FRANCE, Thurs. 12/1/2011: The UMP party is being slammed for using "trashy" tactics to undermine the left in the run-up to this spring's residential election. Also, is Eva Joly the "Sarah Palin" of France? So says Brigitte Bardot. Finally, another bad headline for DSK and a website to summon Steve Jobs from beyond the grave...

11/01/2012 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

French media pay tribute to Gilles Jacquier

MEDIAWATCH, Wed. 11/1/2012: French reporter Gilles Jacquier is killed in Homs, Syria - the first foreign journalist to die in the country since the uprising began some 10 months ago. Also, a Moroccan anti-establishment rapper faces jail and we finish with a web ad parodying Adobe Photoshop.

06/01/2012 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

French Politicians and Twitter: a Love-Hate Relationship

MEDIAWATCH FRANCE, 06/01/2012: French Minister Nadine Morano's Twitter use begs the question: can politicians and Twitter get along? Carla Bruni-Sarkozy's charity is under fire for alleged corruption. Christian-Democrat Party leader Christine Boutin threatens to vote for Sarkozy's rival François Bayrou if she doesn't get the signatures she needs to run for president. And Belgian fast food chain Quick has a Darth Vador burger out to celebrate Star Wars' return to the silver screen.

05/01/2012 - MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Off the record

MEDIAWATCH FRANCE, 05/01/12: French media explore developments in the PIP breast implant controversy after it’s emerged that the French company at the heart of the scandal also made implants for male patients. Meanwhile, French Minister of Training Nadine Morano makes a major slip-up during a radio interview. And journalists explore the future of "off the record" meetings with politicians.