The editorial company of the weekly had asked for an “immediate end” to the negotiations, believing that the offer from entrepreneur Jean-Martial Lefranc did not provide sufficient guarantees on the independence of the editorial team.
New slowdown in the sale of Marianna. The CMI France group, owned by the Czech tycoon Daniel Kretinsky, announced this on Saturday 16 November “take note” of the cessation of negotiations for the resale of the weekly to the entrepreneur Jean-Martial Lefranc, after his challenge by the publishers’ company (SRM). In a press release, the media group (Elle, TV 7 days…) regrets “an unprecedented situation (which) places the magazine in an uncertain situation”. In the month of July, previous negotiations for the purchase of the Marianna he had been arrested together with the conservative billionaire Pierre-Edouard Stérin, rejected by the editorial team.
The SRM had requested this on Tuesday “immediate stop” negotiations started with Jean-Martial Lefranc, ensuring that his acquisition offer of 8.5 million euros did not provide sufficient guarantees on the newspaper’s editorial independence and was no longer financially sustainable following the defection of a major investor. The entourage of Jean-Martial Lefranc, an entrepreneur who made a career in video games, reacted with regret “radicality” of the editorial staff and considering that this “attitude” did not allow “to be considered a serene and constructive recovery of Marianne to date”.
CMI France is committed to “finding a future” for Marianna
In its press release on Saturday, the CMI France group therefore takes note of this impasse and states that it will examine it now “all possible solutions”, “determined (…) to find a future for the title, in consultation with the magazine’s management”. The group, owner of Marianna since 2018, “will soon indicate the main directions that can then be adopted”according to the press release.
In 2023, with 129,000 copies sold, Marianna saw its distribution decrease by 1.3% compared to 2022, falling behind its competitors The point (291,000, -1.5%), The Obs (190,000, -7%) et The Express (144,000, -5%), according to the Alliance for Press and Media Figures. Marianna it lost 3 million euros in 2023, for 12 million euros in turnover.
What are the potential consequences for Marianne magazine if negotiations with CMI France remain unproductive?
Interview between Time.News Editor and Media Expert on the Cessation of Negotiations for Marianne Magazine
Time.News Editor: Welcome to our discussion today. Joining us is Dr. Claire Beaumont, a media analyst and expert in publishing dynamics. Claire, thank you for being here.
Dr. Claire Beaumont: Thank you for having me, it’s great to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the recent development regarding Marianne magazine. The CMI France group halted negotiations with Jean-Martial Lefranc due to concerns raised by the editorial team about their independence. How significant is this concern in the current media landscape?
Dr. Beaumont: It’s extremely significant. Editorial independence is crucial for any media outlet’s credibility. If the editorial team feels that a prospective owner doesn’t guarantee their freedom to report and comment, it undermines not just the publication’s integrity, but also its relationship with its audience. The issues at Marianne serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between ownership and editorial independence.
Editor: You mentioned the balance between ownership and independence. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such tensions. In July, similar negotiations with Pierre-Edouard Stérin fell through for the same reasons. What does this tell us about the larger trends in media ownership?
Dr. Beaumont: What it tells us is that many editorial teams are becoming more vocal and assertive about whom they are willing to work with. There’s a growing awareness among journalists and editors that every potential owner comes with their own agenda, which can influence content and editorial decisions. This consciousness brings a level of accountability that may not have been present in the past.
Editor: The SRM had requested an immediate end to negotiations. How unusual is it for an editorial team to take such a firm stance against potential buyers?
Dr. Beaumont: It’s quite rare but indicative of a new wave of assertiveness in editorial boards. They are realizing their worth in the digital age where content quality and trust are paramount. Historically, we’ve seen obstacles to this kind of transparency, but now, given the competition in digital media and evolving audience expectations, editors feel empowered to stand up for their values and mission.
Editor: The CMI France group has described the situation as “unprecedented.” Given the rising influence of major media tycoons, do you believe this could lead to a rethinking of how media acquisitions are approached in the future?
Dr. Beaumont: Absolutely. We might see a shift in the frameworks used for these acquisitions. More transparency and engagement with editorial teams could become standard practice. Potential buyers may need to present clear proposals that outline editorial independence as a non-negotiable aspect of their offer, recognizing that a collaborative approach is essential for maintaining journalistic integrity.
Editor: Looking forward, what might be the implications for Marianne and its editorial team if negotiations remain stalled?
Dr. Beaumont: If negotiations remain stalled, Marianne might find itself in a precarious position. In the short term, they could face financial instability or diminished market presence, but it may drive them to explore alternate forms of ownership, perhaps considering cooperative models or crowdfunding. In a broader sense, it could also galvanize other media outlets to reevaluate their relationships with potential buyers, pushing for stronger safeguards on editorial independence.
Editor: It seems the situation is both complicated and critical. Thank you, Claire, for your insight. It’s clear that media ownership structures are evolving, and the future of journalism might depend heavily on how these negotiations unfold.
Dr. Beaumont: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital topic.
Editor: We appreciate your time and expertise. This conversation underscores the importance of protecting the freedom and integrity of the press as the media landscape continues to change.
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End of Interview