France's media regulator Arcom prepares new rules for political podcasts ahead of 2027 election

Regulatory consultation for online formats

France's audiovisual and digital communications regulator, Arcom (Autorité de régulation de la communication audiovisuelle et numérique), is preparing new rules to oversee podcasts and digital video programs featuring political figures ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Arcom President Martin Ajdari announced the initiative during an interview with the newspaper La Tribune on Saturday, 3 October 2026. The regulatory body has formally opened a consultation with digital video and audio producers who publish content directly to online platforms.

We are reflecting on new rules for the 2027 campaign.

The discussions focus specifically on online interviewers and digital creators whose programs command the largest followings on web platforms.

We have just engaged in a consultation for this with the main content creators, those whose audience is the most significant.

Ajdari noted that any prospective framework for online programming will not replicate the identical rules imposed on conventional television and radio broadcasters, aiming instead to design proportionate guidelines suited to web media.

Existing requirements and regulatory gaps

Under existing French media law, online video and audio interview formats have operated outside the direct regulatory supervision of Arcom. Obligations concerning political pluralism, fairness, and the strict mathematical equality of speaking time across political parties do not currently apply to programs distributed directly on digital platforms.

Digital interviewers are currently subject to only one statutory limitation during election periods: the mandatory period of electoral silence. Under this legal rule, creators are prohibited from publishing any political propaganda during the two days immediately preceding the vote. Outside of that specific two-day pre-election window, online video hosts and podcasters operate without obligations to balance guest appearances or track political speaking time.

Audience parity with broadcast television

Arcom initiated the review because online interview shows have rapidly expanded their reach, drawing audiences that rival established television networks. Ajdari explained that the regulatory consultation must determine what measures would be appropriate regarding honesty and fairness, pointing out that several digital programs now attract audiences comparable to certain channels on French digital terrestrial television (TNT).

Because these digital programs attract millions of listeners and viewers, the regulator considers their political discussions a significant component of modern campaign coverage. The consultation aims to evaluate measures that support fairness while acknowledging that direct-to-platform formats cannot simply be subject to the identical mechanisms used for traditional broadcast television.

Featured creators and evolving digital reach

The French digital media landscape features a diverse range of independent formats, with several content creators amassing millions of subscribers across online video platforms. Among the prominent figures cited in the sector are Sam Zirah and Guillaume Pley, the host of the digital outlet Legend, both of whom have accumulated millions of subscribers on YouTube through long-form interviews.

Other online journalists and digital creators, including Gaspard G and Hugo Décrypte, initially built large audiences on internet networks before establishing formal partnerships and collaborations with traditional media organizations. As these digital interviewers increasingly host political figures and election candidates, Arcom plans to establish its regulatory framework ahead of the 2027 presidential race.