The Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) issued a call to order against France 2, following the broadcast of a sequence of the program “L’Événement” on September 11, 2025. This decision, made public on January 5, 2026, concerns the presentation deemed insufficiently transparent by Matthieu Pigasse, a French businessman speaking as part of the program.
Arcom considered that the public channel had not respected its obligations in terms of honesty of information, by failing to provide the full profile of the guest. Matthieu Pigasse, known for his investments in the media and his political positions, was presented without his role as co-founder of a company producing the show being clearly mentioned, creating a risk of confusion for viewers.
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This intervention by the regulator is part of a broader context of increased vigilance on the editorial independence and transparency of the media in France. Arcom, often nicknamed the “audiovisual policeman”, thus strengthens its role as guarantor of the integrity of information, particularly crucial in a media landscape where the links between business and the press are regularly scrutinized.
Matthieu Pigasse's reaction to this decision was strong, with the businessman publicly criticizing Arcom for what he perceives as an inconsistency in its actions. According to certain sources, he accuses the regulator of submitting to political pressure, while denouncing differential treatment depending on media orientations, an assertion which fuels debates on the neutrality of regulatory bodies.
The implications of this episode go beyond the simple framework of a call to order, touching on fundamental issues for public broadcasting. France Télévisions, of which France 2 is a part, must now strengthen its verification and disclosure procedures to avoid future sanctions, while preserving its credibility with the public in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Beyond the specific case, this Arcom decision raises questions about the balance between freedom of expression and editorial responsibility. The French media are called upon to navigate between the need to provide complete information and the risk of information overload, a particularly acute challenge in broadcasts dealing with economic and political subjects.