Le Monde diplomatique is upset at the French press's adoration of the country's president. It says: "France has produced a new model of media control, somewhere between Berlusconi and Putin. Sarkozy does not need to emulate Berlusconi in actually owning the titles: his friends will do that for him....
"Two thirds of all French newspapers and magazines are owned by Dassault and Lagardère, France's leading arms' manufacturers. Lagardère's affiliate, Hachette, also owns the majority of French publishing houses, as well as controlling a large part of the book and magazine distribution network...
"In most countries conglomeration has happened because it increases profits... But French newspapers have been barely profitable. The main reason to buy them is to exert influence, as Serge Dassault frankly admitted when he bought Le Figaro, wanting a paper to express his own views." (Via follow the media)
