Journalism Reflection: France 24

For my journalism reflection this week, I decided to discuss a report from French media outlet France 24. After browsing through various stories, I came across the headline, "Sarkozy 'nepotism' row puts country's reputation in the dock." Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France, has been a focus of attention in international media for more than a year for reasons ranging from his remarriage to a former supermodel to his support for the recently elected President Barack Obama. I was curious to read why Sarkozy is making headlines this time.

On Thursday, the story broke that Sarkozy will be appointing his 23 year-old son, Jean Sarkozy, to become chairman of the EPAD agency. This is one of the highest ranking positions in France's top business district, La Defense. In the written portion of this report, France 24 compares the responses to this story from different media outlets throughout the world. An Italian newspaper accused the President of trying to create a "succession to the throne." A publication in Paris calls it an "act of nepotism." In a newscast, CCTV, China's State Television Channel, presented the President's son as an exception to all rules. It is important to keep in mind France 24 included only a few examples. However, it is interesting to read similar statements from news sources in different countries, seeing as each country has differing cultural and political viewpoints.

France 24's broadcast of this recent controversy begins with "On Wednesday, Jean Sarkozy was supposed to attend a meeting in Paris, but in the end, two ministers came without him." I thought this lead was a good choice for an introduction as it caused me, the viewer, to ask "why isn't he there?" The reporter grabbed my attention and I wanted to continue watching to get an answer to my question. This story presents both sides of the story, including the viewpoint that this is an act of "nepotism" and the viewpoint that Jean is a qualified candidate for the position regardless of the fact he is the President's son. You can view this broadcast by clicking on the video located under the story headline.

So, what's a dad to do after reading these headlines about his son? President Sarkozy responded today by saying his son has been "thrown to the wolves" by the press and feels Jean has been unfairly targeted. As a journalist, I cannot help but wonder did the press go too far? Where does one draw the line? Did reporters from these media outlets stay true to their duty as objective journalists? From this report, I believe many people have strong opposing feelings to the President's speculated appointment. Yet, as journalists we must remember we are to present the facts of a story, including both sides, in an objective manner. 

I am curious to see if President Sarkozy follows through with the decision to appoint his son (and it is approved by a board) or if another individual is chosen due to the response from the press.