France Télévisions, the French public broadcasting group, is confronting a severe financial crisis that demands immediate structural reforms, according to a damning report from the Cour des comptes (French Audit Court). The court's assessment, published on September 23, 2025, describes the broadcaster's situation as "critical" and warns that postponed reforms can no longer be delayed. The report highlights how rising personnel costs, operational expenses, and necessary digital investments have created an unsustainable financial trajectory for the state-funded media organization.

The audit reveals that France Télévisions, which receives an annual public endowment of approximately 2.5 billion euros, is projected to run a deficit of 40 million euros in 2025. This deficit confirms the "impasse" facing the country's leading public broadcasting company, despite reforms over the past decade that had previously created significant operational flexibility. The court, presided over by Pierre Moscovici, emphasizes that the current financial dynamics make structural changes inevitable for the group led by Chairwoman Delphine Ernotte Cunci.

Among the key recommendations, the Cour des comptes calls for the French government to establish a "realistic financial trajectory" for the broadcaster, citing "contradictory orientations" given in 2023 and 2024 that hampered strategic planning. The court also urges rapid renegotiation of the company's social agreement and suggests enhancing synergies between France 3's regional networks and the Ici network of former France Bleu radio stations. These measures aim to address the organization's challenges without waiting for broader public broadcasting consolidation plans.

In response to the critical assessment, Delphine Ernotte Cunci has indicated that France Télévisions "subscribes to all the recommendations formulated" and is already working on their implementation. The financial warning comes amid broader tensions in France's public broadcasting sector, where budget cuts planned for 2026 have raised concerns across the industry. Despite the financial challenges, the audit court acknowledges France Télévisions' "leading position" in both linear and digital audiences, encompassing channels including France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5, franceinfo, and the Outre-mer La Première network.