Historical French Satire Faces Scrutiny
On October 10, 2025, a report from NPR, authored by Eleanor Beardsley and Charles Maynes, brought to light past instances where French political puppet shows were reportedly 'pushed off air' after satirizing those in power. The report draws significant comparisons to similar events that transpired in Russia, underscoring a global debate on the boundaries of free speech and satire.
The discussion was prompted by a recent 'Jimmy Kimmel saga' in the United States, where the late-night show host's program was briefly suspended, a move reportedly celebrated by former President Trump. This incident has reignited conversations about the role of satire in a country's political life, resonating loudly in countries like France and Russia, which have their own histories with satirical programs being taken off the air.
The Case of 'Les Guignols De L'info' in France
In France, the prominent satirical show 'Les Guignols De L'info' (also known as 'The Puppets Of The News') was a daily fixture that used latex puppets to lampoon the political world, media personalities, celebrities, and French society. Originating in 1988, the show gained significant popularity, particularly during the 1990-1991 Gulf War, where it satirized generals and the media's coverage of the conflict.
However, the show's eventual decline was described as a 'slower and more subtle' shutdown. This process began under the ownership of Vincent Bolloré, a right-wing billionaire and industrialist who acquired the Canal Plus television channel, the show's broadcaster. Bolloré, who reportedly had 'very little appreciation for the programme,' moved 'Les Guignols' from its primetime slot to just before midnight. This change led to a significant collapse in ratings, and the show ultimately folded, despite Bolloré denying any acts of censorship.
Russia's 'Kukly' and the Erosion of Satire
The NPR report also highlighted the Russian satirical show 'Kukly' (meaning 'Puppets'), which was inspired by the French 'Les Guignols de l'info'. 'Kukly' was a weekly program on the then-independent network NTV, known for its grotesque puppets of political figures, including former President Boris Yeltsin and later Vladimir Putin.
The show faced intense pressure from Russian authorities, particularly after satirizing Putin. Actions taken against NTV by Putin's government included raids on its parent media holding. These measures culminated in the cancellation of 'Kukly' in 2002 and the dismissal of much of NTV's editorial staff. Viktor Shenderovich, a key writer for 'Kukly', observed that after the show's end, the genre of satire largely disappeared in Russia, making it 'impossible to make fun of the head of state' under Putin's rule.
Broader Implications for Free Speech
The NPR report emphasizes that these historical events in France and Russia serve as potent reminders of the challenges faced by satirical expression when it targets powerful figures. The comparison drawn with the recent 'Jimmy Kimmel saga' in the U.S. suggests a recurring tension between political power and the freedom of comedic critique. The experiences of 'Les Guignols' and 'Kukly' illustrate how the ability to satirize leaders can be a direct commentary on a country's political landscape and its commitment to free speech.
5 Comments
Bermudez
This report is crucial. Free speech is under attack everywhere!
Africa
Satire is essential for democracy. We need more, not less!
ZmeeLove
Comparing France to Russia is a huge stretch. False equivalency.
Habibi
Glad someone's highlighting this. It's a slippery slope when satire disappears.
Bella Ciao
The Russian example of 'Kukly' clearly demonstrates state-level repression of free speech, which is alarming. However, in democratic countries, the boundaries of satire are often debated, and not every show cancellation equates to a threat to democracy.