Although Libé lost €5 million in the first six months of this year, Mignon points out that it is not the title losing the most money. But it has dropped the ball in other areas more than other papers, especially when it comes to the Internet.

The leftist spirit of Libération, argues Mignon, made it the perfect paper to adopt the new digital tools that allow large publishers to connect with and spark debate among their readers. 

Furthermore, Mignon laments Libé's financial struggles because he feels that such a paper with a strong brand and the distinction of being non-conformist and not-so-politically correct has a place in France.

But for the social role that it plays, Mignon doesn't feel that Libé should be a paid-for paper and that to supplement the loss of sales, the paper should switch the bulk of its operations to the Internet. A digital publication could be supplemented by an A4 paid-for weekend edition.

He asks why Libé doesn't follow the German Netzeitung example of a 100% Internet publication that is now beginning to include citizen journalists.

Although he admits that such a transition would not be easy, Mignon says that in its present state, Libé has nothing to lose.

Source: Media Café (in French)