Popularity of far-right topics on France’s CNews sparks election concern

Observers are undecided whether the TV channel is setting the agenda or reflecting a reactionary shift

CNews, the Paris-based news channel whose heated talkshows on crime and immigration has led critics to call it a French Fox News", this month hit record viewing figures, leading to concerns on the left that its focus on law and order and national identity could boost the far-right Marine Le Pen at next year's presidential election.

The free-to-air news channel, which is part of the Canal+ group owned by the French industrialist Vincent Bollore, has more than doubled its viewers over the past two years with its unique brand of raucous current-affairs debate shows, where well-known right-wing commentators thrash out their views with political figures from across the spectrum, and news bulletins that are often led by stories on crime and immigration.