Delphine Ernotte Cunci reappointed as head of France Télévisions by Arcom

Ms. Ernotte Cunci was chosen by Arcom, the broadcasting regulator, over three other candidates. In office since 2015, she was the first France Télévisions executive to be reappointed five years later.

"The Authority has chosen to prioritize continuity at the head of the group, in a context marked by major uncertainties," Arcom emphasized in its decision.

Ms. Ernotte Cunci's new term will begin on August 22.

The 58-year-old leader was the favorite against three other contenders: Frédérique Dumas, producer and former Macronist MP; Irène Grenet, former deputy director general of FranceTV Publicité; and Jean-Philippe Lefèvre, former director of the Public Sénat channel.

All four were questioned on Monday and Tuesday by Arcom.

In her application, Ms. Ernotte Cunci had notably emphasized that she wished to give priority to the france.tv platform and to rethink the organization of the public group around the latter.

The leader ardently supports the government's plan for a joint holding company for public broadcasting, which she describes as a "deterrent against privatization."

In addition to France Télévisions, the holding company would also oversee Radio France, the National Audiovisual Institute (INA) and possibly France Médias Monde (France 24 and RFI).

If this reform comes to fruition, Ms. Ernotte Cunci appears to be a logical candidate for the presidency of the holding company.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who is leading the reform project, recently announced that it would be back before Parliament in June.

"We want to see this reform through to the end with the government," government spokesperson Sophie Primas reiterated on Wednesday before the National Assembly.

France Télévisions comprises the channels France 2, France 3 and its 24 regional stations, France 4, France 5, franceinfo, and the overseas network La Première. The group has some 8,800 full-time equivalent employees and benefits from government funding of €2.5 billion through 2025.