Today I’m going to talk about French media. I think you can tell a lot about a country through their media. However, I could be biased. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an emphasis in social media studies. So first we’re going to focus on social media, then news outlets and finally popular TV shows.
To clarify, when I say social media, I’m talking about networking services that allow the user to express themselves and communicate through virtual communities. In many ways, the French try to remain as French as possible. What I mean is that they resist outside influences, especially Anglo-Saxon influence. Under the premise of not wanting to promote American companies, it is illegal to say “Facebook” or “Twitter” on French TV or radio stations. Social media is actively discouraged by the French government, and for the amount of people who have access to the Internet (80%), the use of social media is low in France. All that said, the two most popular social media networks in France are Facebook (a social networking service where users can create profiles, exchange messages, and post status updates, images, and digital links) and Twitter (a news and social networking service where users can post messages, aka “tweets”, that are limited to 140 characters).
Other popular platforms (click on the names to go to the websites):
- LinkedIn: a business oriented social networking site that is mostly used for professional networking.
- Skyrock: a French blogging site.
- Badoo: a dating social networking site.
- Viadeo: a Paris-based business oriented social networking site (similar to LinkedIn).
- Trombi: a French social networking site that focuses on connecting with former classmates from school.
- Instagram: a photo-sharing service that allows users to share pictures and videos.
- Tumblr: a microblogging website.
- Pinterest: a networking system that allows people to share information.
French social media use is especially prevalent during and after tragic events. When tragic events happen, social media is often updated quicker and more frequently than normal news outlets since people can post updates as it’s happening. Afterwards, French people show support and national pride via social networks. After the terrorist attack in Paris in November 2015, people responded with #prayforparis and #PorteOuverte (open door). Overall though, social media hasn’t had a large impact on France, especially not for those over the age of 30. According to polls, it hasn’t had a huge impact on communication or everyday life.
Compared to other European Nations, the French don’t put as much importance on the news. Smaller, regional newspapers are more popular than large, national ones. The newspapers that are still around are struggling since there has been a decline in sales since the early 2000’s. The most popular and most highly praised newspaper is Le Monde. Though TV news seems to be the most popular way of getting news in France. There’s not a lot of information about popular news outlets; probably since it’s not popular in France.
The following list is popular TV series in France. I’ll put the French name first and then the American name, when possible, in parenthesis. I did a Google search for most popular TV series in France and this is what I found (click on the French names if you want to see trailers):
- Engrenages (Spiral): a police and legal drama that takes place in Paris.
- Versailles: a show that follows Louis XIV during his reign as King.
- Le Bureau des légendes (The Bureau): a political thriller that follows the lives of agents that work for the General Directorate of External Security (DGSE).
- Un Village Français (A French Village): a show that follows the inhabitants of the French, German-occupied village of Villeneuve during World War II.
- Fais Pas Ci, Fais Pas Ça(Desperate Parents): a mockumentary about two neighboring families, who are also friends, that have conflicting viewpoints (especially when it comes to raising children).
- PJ Masks: Based on the novel series, Les Pyjamasques, the show follows three kids that become super heroes by night.
- Les Revenants (The Returned): a supernatural drama about the reappearance of presumed-dead people, and the strange phenomena that follows.
- Les Témoins (Witnesses): a police drama where dead bodies keep mysteriously appearing.
- The Voice: la plus belle voix (The Voice: the Most Beautiful Voice): France’s version of The Voice; a reality show where competitors compete to see who has the best voice.
- Danse avec les stars (Dance with the stars): France’s version of Strictly Come Dancing; a reality show where competitors compete to see who the best dancers are.
From what I read, the most popular types of shows in France appear to be crime dramas. If you think any more TV shows should be added to this list, please feel free to comment below.
Additional Reading:
http://mashable.com/2011/06/03/twitter-facebook-mentions-banned-france/#w4xAz6IPimq8
http://www.extradigital.co.uk/articles/social-media/social-media-use-france.html
Can I just say what a relief to find an individual who
actually understands what they are discussing online. You certainly understand
how to bring an issue to light and make it important.
A lot more people ought to read this and understand this side of your story.
I can’t believe you are not more popular given that you definitely
have the gift.
Good day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this
post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept
chatting about this. I will forward this article to him.
Fairly certain he will have a good read.
Thank you for sharing!
Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative.
I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this
in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing.
Cheers!
Tremendous things here. I am very satisfied to look your article.
Thanks so much and I’m looking forward to contact you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Hey! This post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through
this post reminds me of my old room mate!
He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to
him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Generally I do not read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very pressured
me to try and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me.
Thanks, quite great article.
I read this paragraph completely regarding the comparison of hottest and
earlier technologies, it’s awesome article.
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i am glad reading your article.
But wanna remark on some general things, The web site style is great,
the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers
Remarkable! Its in fact awesome article, I have got much clear idea about from this
article.
It’s awesome to pay a visit this site and reading the views of
all friends about this article, while I am
also eager of getting familiarity.
I am curious to find out what blog system you have been using?
I’m experiencing some minor security issues with my latest blog and I would like to find something more secure.
Do you have any recommendations?
Hi just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly.
I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show
the same results.
WOW just what I was looking for. Came here by searching
for bizzone.ir
Wonderful blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo
News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!
Thanks
Great article! That is the kind of info that are
meant to be shared around the internet. Shame on Google for not positioning this post higher!
Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)
Terrific article! That is the type of info that are meant to be shared around the net.
Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this submit upper!
Come on over and seek advice from my web site
. Thank you =)
Why viewers still make use of to read news papers when in this technological
globe everything is accessible on net?
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this
I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads.
I hope to contribute & help other customers like its helped me.
Great job.
Great post! We are linking to this great post on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
I every time used to read piece of writing in news papers but
now as I am a user of web therefore from now I am using net for posts, thanks to web.
Thanks designed for sharing such a good thinking,
paragraph is nice, thats why i have read it fully
Hello there, I discovered your site by way of Google at the same time as looking for a related topic,
your site came up, it seems to be good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Hi there, simply become alert to your blog through Google, and found
that it’s truly informative. I am gonna be careful for brussels.
I’ll appreciate for those who proceed this in future.
Numerous other people will be benefited out of your
writing. Cheers!
Terrific work! That is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared around the internet.
Shame on Google for no longer positioning this post higher!
Come on over and visit my website . Thank you =)
Greate pieces. Keep writing such kind of info
on your site. Im really impressed by it.
Hey there, You have performed a fantastic job.
I’ll certainly digg it and in my view suggest to my friends.
I’m sure they’ll be benefited from this site.
Hey There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. This is
a very neatly written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of your
useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I have read so many articles regarding the blogger lovers but this piece of writing is actually a
fastidious piece of writing, keep it up.
I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up!
I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later.
Many thanks
We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with useful info to work on. You’ve done a formidable process and our entire group will likely be thankful
to you.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that are supposed to be
shared around the internet. Disgrace on Google for no longer positioning this submit
upper! Come on over and consult with my website .
Thank you =)
I got this site from my friend who informed me on the topic of this site and now this time I am visiting this site and reading very informative posts at this place.
We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community.
Your site offered us with valuable information to work
on. You have done an impressive job and our whole community will
be grateful to you.
Fastidious response in return of this query with firm arguments and explaining everything concerning that.
I could not resist commenting. Exceptionally well written!
My partner and I stumbled over here from
a different web page and thought I may as well check things out.
I like what I see so now i am following you. Look forward to
checking out your web page repeatedly.
I read this article fully on the topic of the resemblance
of most recent and previous technologies, it’s awesome article.
Appreciating the time and effort you put into your
website and detailed information you present. It’s awesome to
come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same
old rehashed information. Excellent read! I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS
feeds to my Google account.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic.
I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly
like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a great website.
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found
any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for
me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you
did, the web will be a lot more useful than ever before.
Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea
shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and
it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell
someone!
Right away I am ready to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming again to read additional news.
Very energetic blog, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part
2?
Hello! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone 3gs!
Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all
your posts! Keep up the excellent work!
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group?
There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thank you
Now I am going away to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast
coming again to read further news.
I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your
content. This article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your site and keep
checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.
Greetings! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick
shout out and say I really enjoy reading through your blog posts.
Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics?
Many thanks!
Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my site so i came to return the prefer?.I’m trying to
to find issues to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to make
use of some of your ideas!!
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you just
shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this.
Thanks for sharing.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this
post was good. I don’t know who you are but
definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you
aren’t already 😉 Cheers!