Is Payment Made to the Guests Appearing on France Télévisions' News Programs?
Uncovering the Truth: Do Guests on France Télévisions' News Shows Get Paid?
Ever wondered if guests on France Télévisions' newscasts are compensated for their appearances? Olivier Carow, our site's editor-in-chief, and Florent Dumont, who handles magazines at France Télévisions, have shed some light on this matter in our 'Transparent Information' section. Let's dive into the details.
Our Site (and France Télévisions' shows): Remuneration for Guests?
Olivier Carow: Generally speaking, no. We don't pay our guests, whether they are witnesses, experts, or specialists in a specific field who agree to discuss their expertise. No payment is involved.
Florent Dumont: Guests on our current affairs magazines, such as "C dans l'air," "C à vous," "En société," "C politique," and others, never receive a penny. However, their travel expenses are covered by the production companies working with France Télévisions.
Does this mean no one gets paid?
F. D.: For our shows on France 5, professionals—journalists, editorialists, humorists, and such—are paid as they should be.
"We make a clear distinction between guests and regular contributors."
O. C.: On our site, we have one show, "Autrement dit," where we do have regular contributors contributing their opinion on set themes. They are paid for dedicating their time, although the exact amounts are kept under wraps. This amounts to a supplementary income at best.
This show airs from 6 to 8 pm every day, and features three or four guests per hour, round-tabling around a presenter. This is the only show working this way on our network.
Ensuring Authenticity: How Can Paid Guests Stay True to Their Words?
O. C.: They share their opinions honestly, and can even contradict the presenter at times. We don't ask them to adhere to a certain role, like being the one who advocates for tax cuts. They choose their place on the discussion board based on their standpoints. We only provide the theme and perspective, leaving the rest to them. As long as they don't lie or manipulate facts, we respect their input.
Are Other News Channels Paying Their Guests?
O. C.: More and more interviewees inform us that they have signed exclusivity contracts with other channels. Naturally, these contracts are not a commitment of morals but a financial one. Such contracts might bind them to appear only on one news channel, or state that they can only show up elsewhere if their primary channel doesn't require their attendance.
F. D.: When an expert has an exclusivity contract with a competing channel, they no longer appear on "C dans l'air," for instance.
"We understand that many more guests are being remunerated on other news channels. We will not compromise our principles to align with such practices."
But what could draw unpaid guests to our network instead of a competing channel?
O. C.: Usually, people with expertise or knowledge in a given area have a desire to share it. The open debate format our site offers can attract such individuals. Some have a public service spirit and find it rewarding to speak on the public service example.
"Guests recognize that our shows won't devolve into chaos or a spectacle. This can still attract guests."
That's how shows like "L'Heure américaine" have regular guests who are experts in their fields. None of them are remunerated to appear, they come primarily due to the engaging discussions and the chance to address our audience.
F. D.: They receive extensive speaking time, which allows them to fully develop their arguments. They also gain significant exposure in programs with a positive reputation, avoiding sterile confrontation. For experts, it's about sharing their knowledge, not their opinion.
"For people from civil society, we want to serve as a platform for their first-hand experiences and perspectives."
Some may also find promotional benefits....
F. D.: Indeed. They can benefit from increased exposure, which can aid their publication ventures, speaking engagements, and other projects.
O. C.: Regardless of their contractual obligations with other channels, anyone can come and discuss their work on our network. It's a different platform that's provided for in their contracts.
While it's clear that France Télévisions generally does not compensate most of its guests, the specifics of payment practices for guests on French news channels remain unclear. For a definitive answer, one would need to consult guidelines issued by the Conseil supérieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA) or conduct further research into media policies and regulatory frameworks.
- For guests appearing on France Télévisions' newscasts, such as "C dans l'air," "C à vous," "En société," "C politique," and others, no payment is received, but their travel expenses are covered.
- On "Autrement dit," our site's only show where regular contributors are paid, they receive an income for dedicating their time, although the exact amounts are kept confidential.
- Other news channels are reportedly paying their guests, often under exclusivity contracts that bind them to a single channel or regulate their appearance on other channels.
- Despite the potential payment practices on other news channels, France Télévisions continues to attract guests due to its open debate format, public service example, and opportunity for extensive speaking time, leading to increased exposure and promotional benefits.
