Reflection and conciliation are called for during discussions on the reformation of Agence France-Presse, Le Figaro reports.

On Thursday, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication created a review commission composed of Michèle Cotta (former president of Haute Autorité de la Communication Audiovisuelle), Jean-Marie Colombani (former group director for Le Monde), Fabrice Boé (former president of Prisma Presse), Henri Pigeat (president of the Centre de Formation des Journalistes) and Francis Teitgen (former manager of Ouest-France).

Their mission is to reflect on 'positioning' or stance, reform the status, and preserve the independence and finances of the AFP. The commission reviewers have until the spring to render their decision, which will influence a law to be presented to the French Parliament before the summer on the reforms to the AFP's statutes.

This panel follows the summer debate on whether the government should take control of the AFP by becoming its sole shareholder.

AFP CEO Pierre Louette presented his plan last March. He envisioned a reform of AFP statutes, dating from 1957, to become a 'national society' (i.e. government owned/influenced) funded with public capital, held together by the state.

To finance operational and general development and digital transformations and upgrades, Louette estimated that the AFP needs about 65 million euros, 45 million of which through public capital. But his plan gave rise to worries about the independence of the news agency and of employee wages, which could go under government control.

To calm the ensuing uproar, the AFP cancelled layoff plans and allotted 5 million euros for voluntary buyouts. The newly formed commission is expected to give counsel on this and other issues at AFP, advice that will probably be well heeded by the French legislature.

Source: Le Figaro