Dublin Opinion

France 24, the new Anglo-French news service was launched on the 6th of December. According to its Wikipedia entry the news channel ‘wants to put more emphasis on debate, dialogue and the role of cultural difference’. One way they claim to do this is to put a special emphasis on ‘new media’, which translates in both French and English as ‘bloggers’.

So, as part of their prelaunch campaign they decided to send exclusive content to prominent bloggers around the world and, to coincide with the launch, gave each a ’surprise package’ to allow both blogger and the news channel to celebrate together on launch night.

One of these lucky bloggers was Mustapha of Beirut Spring.

According to their brochure “France 24 is characterized by respect for diversity and attention to political and cultural differences and identities”. However, Mustapha isn’t happy.

“The station which promises not to project its own values on peoples has sent me, a practicing Muslim, a Möet & Chandon bottle of Champaign”.

Honestly, some people. This blogger will have to go and buy his own Champaign to wet the baby’s head.