by Valérie Sontot
It is often difficult to explain the French specificities in the world of journalism as they tend to be uniquely Franco- French, for the French and us only!
Did you know that French journos even have fiscal advantages? It’s true, and it stems from a law decided last century. The taxing of journalists has its roots in the mid-1930s when most of the professional statuses that are still in effect today were determined. This special tax came before the famous one-year statute of 1935, the foundation of the journalist’s status. This was then followed a year later by a declaration specifying the operation of the « Commission on the press card ». Finally, the "social partners" came to agree on the first syndicate work of journalists in 1937.
The tax agreement was initially put in place to account for the expenses incurred by journalists, as the majority of companies don’t reimburse journalist costs incurred at work. Many politicians want to get rid of this fiscal advantage but have come up against many hurdles – especially given Nicolas Sarkozy’s own special relationship with the media world.
One of the best advantages for French journalists is probably “la clause de cession”, meaning the "transfer clause". The "transfer clause" is extremely unpopular with media owners as it allows journalists to leave their job at their own will if the title they work for is purchased. They are entitled to a month’s salary as well as compensation in the form of unemployment benefits. That's the principle; however its implementation is less straightforward. I remember when Son IT media was bought by a big media group… on Monday, 20 journalists were there, on Tuesday, 15 of them put down this clause… and on Wednesday, only 5 were still working.
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