"Libération" : a study in cultural politics (1973-1981)

A study of the French newspaper Libération from its first editions in 1973 to its relaunch in 1981.

The newspaper illustrates the pressures on the press to adapt to changing circumstances. First, the movement from marginality to a more popular base is recounted in the first chapter. Primary to the newspaper's changes was its adaptation to the political process, which dynamically shaped its reorientations. Specifically, the imposition of the electoral process encouraged the paper to re-analyse its media philosophy, alter its political standpoint, and present a new 'face' to its audience. Secondly, the changes in the paper, illustrate a movement from direct political and revolutionary rhetoric to greater independence of view. This was accompanied by a growing insistence on individual rights, and the freedom of personal choice. Equally, its journalism altered in so far as an increase in professionalisation and objectivity were accompanied by a style (comportment) particularily its own.

These changes were complex, and at times contradictory, nourished by the events of 1968, Libération gradually assumed the mantle of a new decade. There were noticeable shifts in their attitudes to events which became marked by a popularisation of the 'new*. Even so, the newspaper’s journalists were daily confronted with events which impinged on their outlook. This was reflected by the way in which they also adapted their journalism to both cultural and social pressures, and these are analysed in the second and third chapters.

Overall, the relationship between political, cultural and social questions has been used to illustrate the dynamic of change in the newspaper. No matter the complexities of the relationship, the impact of the political process on journalism is considered to be paramount.