MEDIAWATCH
France's 'thugs and hoodlums are happy'
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

France's 'thugs and hoodlums are happy'

Is it a genuine bid for transparency or PR to beef up his reputation as tough on crime - or a bit of both? French Interior Minister Manuel Valls has decided to announce the number of vehicles burned in France during the year. He'll do so on New Year's Eve. His predecessors chose not to do that because, they argued, it minimised the chances of outbreaks of gang violence, especially on New Year's Eve itself.
A perfect 10? Forget that. Ask for your date's credit score
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

A perfect 10? Forget that. Ask for your date's credit score

There is a horrific trend in dating to watch out for as we enter Year End party mode: the "what's your credit score" question. The New York Times is reporting that looking for the Perfect 10 is out, your chick/dude's good standing with credit agencies is in. And a Doomsday party for optimists here in Paris turns to the future reckoning there are reasons to be cheerful.
Depardieu, Deneuve, Voltaire, Kant and Gangnam Style
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

Depardieu, Deneuve, Voltaire, Kant and Gangnam Style

The Daily Mail has pictures of Gérard Depardieu in a wheelchair at Rome airport. He appears to be in pain though no explanation is given. Fellow French acting icon Catherine Deneuve, meanwhile, has rallied to his cause, quoting Voltaire: "I don't agree with his ideas but I will fight to the death so he can express them". Also, the Gangnam Style video on You Tube busts the billion-visit mark.
The end is... NOW!
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

The end is... NOW!

We check out some reaction on social media to... THE END OF THE WORLD!!! But first, we take a look at François Hollande's trip to Algeria and the reaction of internet users.
In Algeria, Hollande's tie askew... again
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

In Algeria, Hollande's tie askew... again

We look at online buzz around Hollande's Algeria trip, including his refusal to "repent" for the Algerian War... and his tie being askew AGAIN! Also, some unhelpful support for Gérard Depardieu: Brigitte Bardot as well as cult leader Raël. Finally, does the Elysée website have a hidden message about the end of the world?
'Leave Gérard Depardieu alone!'
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

'Leave Gérard Depardieu alone!'

A satirical YouTube video begs the public to leave Gérard Depardieu alone - a stunt inspired by a distressed fan of Britney Spears who did the same thing in 2007 (with less irony!). We also look at an open letter to Depardieu by a fellow French thesp which lambasts him for his decision to become a tax exile in Belgium.
Newtown and the media
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

Newtown and the media

We take a look at some of the criticisms of the media and social networks in the coverage of the Newtown massacre. Might media coverage incite copycat killings? Could algorithms help determine the veracity of tweets? Also, reaction to Gérard Depardieu saying he's ready to give up his French passport. The actor has been criticised for moving to Belgium to avoid hefty French wealth taxes.
Reaction to Connecticut school shooting
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

Reaction to Connecticut school shooting

We take a look at social media reaction to the school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, including the tendency for media to go too far in their coverage of such tragedies. Also, social media is used to organise this Sunday's mass demonstration in favour of gay marriage in France.
#ElMundoEstaConChavez
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

#ElMundoEstaConChavez

"The World Is With Chavez" reads a popular hashtag on Twitter, gathering images and comments of support for the Venezuelan leader who is recovering from surgery. Also, it's December silliness online with lists a-plenty looking back over the year... and indeed looking back to just yesterday, 12/12/12, and associated "coincidences".
The papal tweet and trolls
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

The papal tweet and trolls

Pope Benedict XVI has tweeted after months of PR and preparations. We look at the challenges for a 2000-year-old institution resistant to change adapting to a fast-paced social media age (with trolls a-plenty). Also, we look at the year in review on Twitter and Facebook.
Dial turned down on Paris nightlife
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Dial turned down on Paris nightlife

It has always been a strict city for bar and nightclub licensing, but now more so than ever. Five bars in central Paris have been told to shut their doors for 10 days, sparking online debate between those seeking quiet in their neighbourhoods and those deploring over-strict policing of nightlife venues. Also, Gérard Depardieu's suspected tax evasion in Belgium, and a new twist in the UMP leadership battle.
DSK: 'The end'
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

DSK: 'The end'

It's the end of an 18-month drama as Nafissatou Diallo and Dominique Strauss-Kahn settle their case for an undisclosed sum. Also, Berlusconi's attempt to return to Italian politics is satirised online. Finally, the Australian DJs involved in the royal hospital hoax give their first, emotional TV interviews - this as hacking group Anonymous concludes they're "responsible for murder".
Is everything permitted in the name of humour?
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Is everything permitted in the name of humour?

One of the nurses targeted in a recent prank phone call to Kate Middleton's hospital has died, leading to speculation that she may have ended her life in part due to the hoax. Also, we take a look at a "candid camera" prank on Brazilian television involving coffins and lifts. Finally, a viral music video mocks overuse of Instagram.
Laughter is the best medicine
MEDIAWATCH FRANCE

Laughter is the best medicine

The Irish panic-buy wine ahead of austerity measures targeting alcohol... meanwhile, George Osborne chuckles in Parliament while announcing a tightening of the British purse strings. Also, France's budget minister is accused of having an offshore bank account and Gérard Depardieu duets with the Uzbek President's daughter!
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'New York Post' photo sparks ethics debate
MEDIA WATCH FRANCE

'New York Post' photo sparks ethics debate

A front page photo of a man about to be hit by a subway has sparked a media ethics debate. Could the photographer have intervened? Should the New York Post have published it? Also, an Australian radio prank on the hospital where Kate Middleton is staying, plus a French TV channel gets the story wrong on who the father of the unborn royal baby is!
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