Israeli Forces Detain and Assault Journalists During West Bank Protest
February 6, 2026
Hispanic Journalists Leaving Legacy Media for Independent Practice
February 7, 2026
February 07, 2026 – France –
Journalists at Agence France-Presse (AFP) have issued a strong public objection to a cost-cutting reform proposed by the agency’s management, warning that it could dismantle AFP’s historic global reporting network and erode its core mission, according to an open letter published on February 6, 2026. The objection reflects deep concern among staff that changes aimed at reducing costs would weaken AFP’s international presence and editorial independence.
The proposed plan would sharply reduce the number of expatriate journalist positions — the roles that allow staff to be deployed abroad with financial support for housing, schooling, and travel — from around 270 to roughly 80. Under the new arrangements, most overseas reporters would instead work on local contracts with less favourable conditions and fewer benefits. Journalists argue that this would effectively end the agency’s traditional system of staff mobility, a cornerstone of AFP’s ability to deliver consistent, cross-border reporting.
AFP, founded in 1944 with a mission of maintaining journalistic independence, has grown into one of the world’s leading news agencies, with a presence in hundreds of locations and distribution in six languages. Journalists signing the letter emphasised that the current global network — combining the expertise of local reporters with the perspective of expatriate staff — is essential to AFP’s credibility and the quality of its news coverage. They warned that weakening this structure could diminish the agency’s relevance compared to competitors and erode public trust in its reporting.
The staff letter argues that the proposed changes are driven by short-term financial priorities rather than long-term strategic vision. Management’s focus on immediate savings, according to the journalists, risks undermining the very foundation that has enabled AFP to operate worldwide, including in regions with authoritarian governments where expatriates often help protect local reporters from political pressure.
AFP’s international network is partly funded by public financing from the French state, and journalists cautioned that eroding the agency’s mission and identity could jeopardise that support. In appealing to clients, stakeholders, and media partners, they stressed the importance of maintaining AFP’s distinctive global reach and independent reporting at a time when reliable news sources are increasingly critical.
The stand taken by AFP’s journalists highlights broader tensions within the media industry over how to balance financial sustainability with editorial quality and independence in an era of economic pressure and shifting news consumption patterns.
Reference –
