BFM TV’s management has launched an internal investigation to understand the origin of content broadcast by the channel under distressing circumstances, Politico has learned from multiple internal sources.
Images and comments that did not follow the normal verification circuit were broadcast during the program the night diaryA television news broadcast from midnight, according to a dozen internal sources familiar with the audit, suggested one or more influence operations at the origin, which are still unconfirmed. The hearing has been launched exclusively with colleagues of presenter Rachid M’Barki, who has not appeared on air since mid-January.
A member of the group’s management confirmed to Politico, “An internal investigation was launched two weeks ago following information received about a journalist from our channel.” “This journalist has been exempted from activity from the start of this investigation and for the entire time of this investigation. BFM is probably the victim in this case and we will not tolerate any doubt about the work of our entire editorial staff and our 300 journalists Can do
When contacted, Rachid M. Barki explains that he “used that information [lui] came from informers” and who “did not follow the normal course of writing”. The journalist, however, denies any intentional characterization. “They were all genuine and verified, I do my job. …I am not denying anything, maybe I have been cheated, I did not feel that I was part of any operation or not, otherwise I would not have done it.”
Marc-Olivier Fogiel, the chain’s general manager, communicated with the Journalists’ Society in mid-January, before more broadly formalizing the organization of the investigation, which has been the subject of much speculation internally, especially overseas. On the possible implications for the states.
A member of the Society of Journalists said, “I had very few details, all I knew was that there was an investigation going on, possible state interference and stuff that shouldn’t have been disseminated.”
comes as newsA corruption and foreign interference scandal Reportedly rocks the European Parliament and raises questions about the potential impact in various European capitals. Several MEPs and former MEPs are suspected by the Belgian justice of receiving bribes to support positions favorable to some foreign states, including Qatar and Morocco.
If the management of BFM TV refuses to comment on a possible foreign interference, it says that it is ready to take “all legal, judicial, personal and organizational measures, if necessary, according to the results of this investigation”. .