MediaWatch is our take on the stories big and bizarre in newspapers, on news websites, blogs and on social media. We also look at stories about how the media functions and how it’s evolving in today’s society. Presented by James Creedon, tune in at 8.45 pm Paris time for a look at the French media and 10.22 pm for the international media.
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE, Thurs. 7/7/2011: French police under fire and Strauss-Kahn's wife Anne Sinclair "wants revenge" for the lack of support amongst French politicians for her husband.
We start with Nicolas Sarkozy who is under formal investigation for "breach of trust", this in relation to alleged illegal fundraising for his 2007 campaign. A Bordeaux court is investigating whether the former President was in receipt of funds from L'Oréal heiress, Liliane Bettencourt. Also, the latest catch phrase in France is "Allo quoi!" - we look into its reality tv origins.
Earlier this year, the world discovered what a bad painter George W. Bush is after his sister's emails were hacked. Now, six more "masterpieces" have been leaked. Also, 60 years after the paperback book was introduced to France, we take a look back at the hesitations some had at the time about this "democratisation" in literature. Finally, a Corsican magazine finds an odd way to censor its own material.
...He might have had a tough immigration interview at Ben Gurion Airport! We look at a Haaretz article examining the hypothesis. Meanwhile, his limo breaks down (embarrassing). Also, we look at the ongoing debate in Quebec over whether their language police are too tough.
The media was laregely criticised for irresponsible journalism in the run-up to the Iraq War. Respected media institutions such as the New York Times endorsed the war based on flawed information about WMD, some of it leaked from the Bush administration. Ten years on, have the lessons been learnt? Also, symbols of a more humble papacy and Le Monde is accused of destroying an Argentinian photographer's archives.
Angry Cypriots marched on Parliament to oppose their government's bailout deal which includes a levy on personal savings of up to 10% - we take a look at online reaction. Also, President François Hollande doesn't seem to mind being called a "penguin" by Carla Bruni in an upcoming album... although perhaps the insult is worse than he realised...