Free

Free is a French telecommunications company. Recent news focuses on its founder, Xavier Niel, and his involvement with Mediawan, an audiovisual production group with ties to France Télévisions. Niel, along with other Mediawan shareholders, was summoned to testify before a parliamentary inquiry committee investigating public broadcasting. The hearings were marked by heated exchanges, particularly between Niel and the committee's rapporteur, concerning alleged misinformation. Niel strongly defended his position and accused the rapporteur of spreading falsehoods. Separately, Bouygues Telecom and Free are reported to be actively competing in the enterprise telecom market. Nicolas Thomas, directeur général of Free, also appeared on Tech & Co, a daily tech news program. The inquiry highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the influence of private companies and foreign investment (KKR) on public broadcasting in France.