Press Review
Press Review is a weekday podcast from FRANCE 24 English that surveys the stories dominating French and international newspaper headlines. Each episode offers a quick overview of how newspapers are covering major news events. It airs live Monday to Friday at 7:20am and 9:20am Paris time. The show is aimed at English-speaking audiences interested in French and global perspectives on current affairs.
Épisodes
Are fresh US-Israeli strikes on Iran in the pipeline?
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, October 22: The New York Times's sources report plans for fresh strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections. In other news, the French Senate publishes a 30-step proposal for how to "take back control", just days after protests gave way to riots. Also, how software engineers found and patched up bugs in the language that makes up 70 percent of the internet. Finally, the
'Who are the vandals?' ask the French press after weekend riots
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, October 21: The identities of some 300 suspects from Saturday's riots are emerging in the Paris courts. Meanwhile, the far-left France Unbowed party has promised legal action against the French government for claiming the radical left was responsible for the degeneration of protests. Also, as the UN warns that global warming is on track to reach 2.6°C this century, the UK
France imposes curfews after weekend violence, but is it too much or too little?
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, October 20: We look at reactions from the French press after President Emmanuel Macron's government announces a curfew in parts of the country. Is it too much or not enough? We also look at what the foreign press from Britain, Germany and the US are saying about the weekend's violence. Meanwhile, the Italian press react to violent looting and destruction of property in Ital
'Shame', 'anger', 'chaos': Papers react to polarising riots in France
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, October 19: French and international papers discuss the anti-government protests that turned violent at the weekend and their aftermath across France. Many French papers are using the word "chaos" to describe the protests over the weekend. Le Parisien writes: "After the chaos, the anger". It says that on Sunday France woke up to destruction following the protests. The headl
France to witness a 'crossroads of anger' as mass protests expected on Saturday
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, October 16: French papers look ahead to Saturday's call for mass protests, which will bring together a number of social movements. Next, climate change has devastating consequences on communities in Afghanistan. Also, Libération publishes a special edition written in the style of Georges Perec. Finally, this year's animal of the year has been named. Protests are planned acro
'American abandonment' threatens Ukraine's civilians in war against Russia
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, October 15: First, reported Starlink disruptions in Ukraine make the European front pages. Next, US papers go into more detail about the situation. Also, an unusual alliance forms in Germany between far-right and far-left parties. Meanwhile, the winners of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards have been announced. Finally, Finland flaunts its smelly islands. The rep
'Super-Earths' might be better than our planet. But are they reachable?
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, October 14: Portuguese papers are discussing the country's housing problems. Next: in Germany, a humanoid robot has sexually assaulted a teenage girl. In science news, there might be planets more habitable than Earth out there. Finally, Cosmopolitan helps us find out if we are dating a loser. Housing protests are spreading across Portugal, La Repubblica reports. According
The Times: How Infantino's 'second salary' paid for luxury life in Miami
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, October 13: "Act 5" of the French high school protest movement begins as teachers and farmers could join in too. In India, thousands of opposition supporters have marched to the Supreme Court demanding the resignation of the electoral board chief over fraud allegations. The Times of London publishes an investigation that shows FIFA boss Gianni Infantino received a second, u
'Illegal detentions' in India, as protesters allege foul play at Electoral Commission
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, October 12: Widespread protests in India are met with detentions judged "illegal" by the country's Supreme Court. But first: Lebanese papers report as Hezbollah prepares for a new regional flare-up. Finally, Citroën hopes to win hearts and minds with an electric reboot of the vintage Deux Chevaux model. The Arabic-language daily An-Nahar in Lebanon reports on revived calls f
Hegseth says Fort Hood shooter's military execution will be 'livestreamed'
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, October 9: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announces that the military execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan will be "livestreamed". But first: we look at reactions in Italy after the country's parliament passes a controversial electoral reform that critics say serves to benefit Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Plus, ".fart" and ".trump" are among the new domain n
Evicted pensioner Maricarmen, symbol of Spain's housing crisis, dies at 87
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, October 8: Maricarmen, the evicted Spanish pensioner who became the face of Spain's housing crisis, dies in hospital. Also, France braces for "Act Four" of high school student protests against dilapidated schools and poor staff presence. Finally, actress Zendaya sparks a row over etiquette at Paris Fashion Week. Maricarmen, the Spanish pensioner who became the face of the
Israeli papers commemorate October 7 attacks, three years on
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, October 7: Papers mark the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks. But first: the high school protests that have swept across France make the front pages at home and abroad. Also, the Argentinian press waves off Lionel Messi after his last international match. Finally, a British adventurer completes a 28-year walk around the world. The French front pages all look quit
Should we be worried about a plague outbreak in Russia?
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, October 6: The death of a researcher in Siberia, reportedly from the plague, sparks concern despite Russian authorities' denial. But first: French high school protesters are promising "Act 3" of their protest movement against learning conditions. Also, Le Monde speaks to the editor of Russian independent outlet Novaya Gazeta ahead of the 20th anniversary of the murder of in
French high school protests: 'Mum if you see this it's for my future'
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, October 5: More than 400 schools are closed across France, as the government fails to assuage the anger of protesting high school students. In other news: Boulder, Colorado takes on ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy, demanding billions for damage caused by wildfires. Finally, we take a look at some of nature's most whimsical offerings. "How to get out of the crisis?" reads the fr
Brazil's election: Lula or Bolsonaro Jr?
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, October 2: We look at reactions in the French papers after high school blockades turned violent across France. We also look ahead to Brazil's two-round presidential election, which begins this weekend. The electoral campaign culminated with the cancellation of a presidential debate after both President Lula and his rival Flavio Bolsonaro pulled out. Finally, this year's Come
Israel's Netanyahu says co-pilot tried to crash Tel Aviv-bound plane
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, October 1: A FlyDubai flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the pilot was stabbed by his co-pilot in what the Israeli media are calling a terror attack. The co-pilot was detained by off-duty pilots on board and passengers before making a safe landing in Saudi Arabia. Also in the news, Cornell University's college campus culture is back under scrutiny after a shocking s
'Cornell won't, we will': Student journalists 'relentlessly' reporting on university rape
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, September 30: The Cornell University gang rape investigation reopens. But first: students and prisoners protest in Iran "in a rare show of dissent". Journalist Evan Gershkovich speaks about his 16 months in a Russian prison. Bonus: what can we do to be less lonely? Finally, Fat Bear Week has chosen its winner. Radio Free Europe reports that "in a rare show of dissent amid
French far-right leader Bardella denies anti-Semitism allegations
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, September 29: Jordan Bardella, the head of the far-right National Rally party, is accused of anti-Semitic comments dating back to 2013. But first: French high schoolers call for a nationwide strike to protest against teacher absences and dilapidated schools. The Washington Post looks at how AI data centres are transforming the US landscape. Plus, where are all the hunks? Th
Married people who practice their religion have more sex, study shows
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, September 28: Papers discuss the Orange Order parade standoff in Northern Ireland. Also, who are the suspects in the RAF base terror plot? Finally, we look at some of the latest data on relationships. Amid a standoff in Northern Ireland over a Protestant parade, the headline of The Irish News reads "We don't want this. We just want to live in peace". It's a quote by a mother
US rapper Macklemore announces 'Free Palestine' tour after Ed Sheeran saga
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, September 25: There's anticipation and excitement in France as Pope Leo XIV embarks on the first papal visit to France in 18 years. It comes at a time of renewed Catholic faith among young French people. Also, we look at reactions after Italy's new legislation banning full-face Islamic headwear from schools. Plus: US rapper Macklemore announces a new "Free Palestine" tour th
Australia's Medicare AI hack: Its seriousness 'cannot be overstated'
PRESS REVIEW – Thursday, September 24: The Spanish press express outrage after the forced eviction of an elderly woman from her Madrid residence. Unrest in the Tigray region sparks fears of a new war between rebels and Ethiopia's central government. Australian authorities reveal that the national health insurance system Medicare was hacked by an AI agent. Finally, we look at Britain's rudest-sound
Fresh drilling for a lost Egyptian queen?
PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, September 23: The papers look ahead to US President Donald Trump hosting his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. In other news, a Haitian-born novelist, tipped to win France's prestigious Goncourt literary prize, has been struck by an AI scandal. Finally, could the remains of Nefertiti lie behind the burial chamber of Tutankhamun? The Washington Post brings us details of what
How to break the negative habit of 'toxic multitasking'?
PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, September 22: The Moscow Times talks about mobilisation rumours scaring anti-war activists in Russia. Next: The New York Times interviews South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung. Also: why is multitasking bad for the brain and the nervous system? Finally: this year's Fat Bear contest is starting in Alaska. Who's going to be the chonkiest chonk? Independent paper The Moscow T
Who are the 100 world-leading environmentalists, according to The Independent?
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, September 21: The Independent's climate 100 list for 2026 is out, featuring names like Pope Leo and Sir David Attenborough. Climate change is having an undeniable effect on animals across the world, some of which are seeking human help. And finally: are people's dating patterns shifting? The Independent has published its 2026 list of the world’s leading environmentalists. It
