Members of the French media have a variety of opinions when it comes to foreign journalists working on their territory.
They sometimes regard them as objective observers of French society, following its tensions, divisions and debates.
According to this view, foreign journalists measure the harmony of French society and journalists are the window to its evolution.
But many think, and with some reason, that these journalists could lack objectivity, given that they have to abide by the rules of their own country’s media. This might, in some cases, put pressure on the way they deal with news. These journalists make little difference and are not well respected by their French colleagues.
A number of factors must be examined in order to explain their plight.
An in-depth knowledge of French society depends on the length foreign journalists have been in the country. The longer the stay, the more likely a journalist is to having the historical and cultural background to develop a credible and sound understanding of of French society.
Their language skills would obviously improve in this case, making their reporting better. Take Italian journalist Alberto Toscano, for example. a reporter for several Italian media outlets who has lived in Paris for about 25 years. Toscano is regularly invited to talk on French news networks and share his views on current affairs.
American journalist and columnist Ted Stranger is another example. He often speaks on television and Radio shows. It must be noted, though, that most of these journalists are from Europe or the West. Very few come from Arab or African countries.
Why journalists of Arab origin are being ignored by the mainstream
Both the language barrier and pseudo conservative nature of French media account for the relative absence of journalists from outside Europe.
Objectivity is another important factor that must be taken into account. Foreign journalists, once in France, tend to create different interest centrse, each founded on his or her view of the world. Their employer or affiliation to their own countries can hugely affect their reporting.
Combined, these factors create a spectrum of divergent views. Foreign journalists sometimes take a completely different line to that of French media when covering international crises, for example.
This is also almost always the case when covering Middle East news. French media opts for a neutral tone. Foreign journalists in France are always quick to adopt a very different approach.
When the French media provided balanced coverage of the Gaza-bound flotilla in July, foreign agencies such as Press TV gave a one-sided view of events.
'Online media acts as huge competition to mainstream outlets'
Another factor contributing to the fragmentation of French media is the internet. An unending space now exists for foreign reporters and immigrant journalists to report, publish and post. In my view, this is a good thing.
Online media acts as huge competition to mainstream outlets and there is little sign of its power abating. The news website www.rue89.com is one of those online portals which regularly gives a voice to immigrant journalists, chroniclers and columnists.
The internet allows the plurality of opinions and sources of information, both features that are boosting the appeal of the online world for audiences.
In addition to the internet, the globalisation of satellite television stations boost the flow of information available in the media. The French media is no longer the sole supplier.
The breathtaking success of the Al Jazeera network is a good example of this change. The channel, which has a unique approach to news gathering, is constantly attracting more viewers in France, especially when it comes to Middle East issues. In spite of criticism directed at the channel from traditional French media players, Al Jazeera's audience is increasing, especially among Maghreb and African communities living in France.
Several French media outlets tried to belittle the work of Al Jazeera, a network with a code of conduct, a vision and a commitment to representing ideas challenging the agenda.
Fighting back and setting up independently
To counter the mainstream media coverage of critical topics, such the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the place of Islam in European societies and the suburbs question, several journalists went on to set up their own media outlets and places of expression.
The internet has given space to these foreign journalists to express their versions of reality and opinions of migrant communities. Websites including www.saphirnews.com and www.oumma.com are key examples.
FM Radio Beur and Le Courrier de l’Atlas are outlets which target people provide people of Arab origin with coverage from an Arab perspective. Unlike Al Jazeera’s staff, these journalists are French speaking and the majority of them are French citizens.
Even with these successful examples of reporting, the French media still views foreign journalists, or those who are not native, with hesitation. It is high time for recognition, and for the European media to avoid getting locked in to the same tensions of previous eras.
In the future, more French newspapers must build partnerships with foreign publishing institutions. The contribution of foreign journalists would be an asset in a highly competitive market, where there is an audience constantly seeking the other side of a story. Diversifying the supply and the profiles of journalists is a necessity and an opportunity for French media.
Globalisation is going nowhere and the world is becoming a small village. Building ties, bridges and partnerships with foreign journalists will surely help deal with apprehension and fear and hopefully reinforce cohesion between cultures.
At a time when tensions are increasingly becoming crises, this strategy is incredibly important.
Nabil Ennasri is an independent French Moroccan journalist, activist and blogger and is attending the UN Alliance of Civilizations forum in Doha.
