Plusieurs médias annoncent des restructurations internes
Several French and international media groups have announced internal restructuring plans in recent weeks, affecting hundreds of positions. These developments, reported by various outlets, concern press publishers, telecommunications operators, and broadcasting entities, primarily in France and Europe.
Les faits établis
Prisma Media, the leading French magazine press group, is considering a third plan for staff reductions. According to Le Figaro, the new management envisages a departure plan impacting 200 to 250 positions out of more than 700 employees. This project was presented on Thursday during a social and economic committee (CSE) meeting convened by Gérald-Brice Viret, recently appointed vice-president of the group.
The direction favors a collective conventional severance (RCC), but staff representatives oppose this, demanding a redundancy plan (PSE) instead. Previously, an RCC signed in August 2024 resulted in 27 departures, followed by a PSE concluded in July 2025 leading to 54 exits. The latter is currently under legal challenge before the administrative court, as unions seek its annulment.
At 20 Minutes, tensions are high due to shareholder changes. Ouest-France, holding 50% of the free daily’s capital, wishes to disengage, as revealed by Le Monde on December 4. The Rossel group, owning the other 50%, agrees to take over these shares on condition that ongoing social conflicts end, particularly regarding neighboring rights. Rossel president Bernard Marchant issued an ultimatum in late November, requiring union delegates to sign an agreement on these rights by December 15.
In the telecommunications sector, 2025 has seen massive job cuts across Europe and the United States. Telefonica finalized a plan on December 22 for 5,500 positions, representing one-fifth of its workforce in Spain, following 3,400 cuts in 2024. BT in the UK eliminated 5,000 jobs in the first half, Deutsche Telekom cut 3,300 in Germany over the third quarter, and TeliaSonera plans up to 3,000 reductions in Sweden, according to Le Monde.
US operator Verizon launched its largest restructuring on November 20, affecting 13,000 jobs. Equipment makers are also impacted: Nokia announced 427 job cuts in France and a site closure in Munich affecting 700 by 2030, while Ericsson plans to reduce 130 positions in France.
Game One, the iconic French gaming TV channel, will cease broadcasting on December 31, 2025, following the Paramount-Skydance merger, as reported by media specialized in entertainment.
In the advertising sector, the Omnicom-Interpublic merger leads to the global disappearance of the DDB brand, which becomes BBDO in France. DDB Paris retains its teams, organization, clients, and premises, with no job losses planned, preserving 350 positions.
Réactions et déclarations officielles
Gérald-Brice Viret, vice-president of Prisma Media, declined to comment when contacted by Le Figaro.
At Prisma Media, staff representatives have expressed opposition to the RCC, insisting on a PSE.
For 20 Minutes, Rossel group president Bernard Marchant stated he would take over Ouest-France’s shares only if union delegates signed a neighboring rights agreement by December 15. Syndicates and journalists are divided on this potential deal.
No official declarations from telecommunications firms beyond the announced plans. Telefonica aims to save nearly 600 million euros annually from 2028 through its reductions.
Contexte factuel
Prisma Media, publisher of Capital, Voici, and Femme Actuelle, has faced tensions since August 2025, following the departure of president Claire Léost. Governance now rests with Arnaud Lagardère as president, Gérald-Brice Viret as vice-president, and Serge Nedjar as editorial director, all close to Vincent Bolloré.
The 20 Minutes situation stems from years of strained relations between shareholders and the newsroom, exacerbated by disputes over neighboring rights, which allow press remuneration for online content reuse.
Telecom restructurings respond to intense competition and investment difficulties in network upgrades. These cuts follow similar actions in prior years, such as Nokia’s 14,000 planned over three years announced in 2023.
Game One pioneered video game television in France. Its closure aligns with post-merger adjustments at Paramount-Skydance.
The Omnicom-Interpublic fusion simplifies the agency portfolio to three main entities: BBDO, TBWA, and McCann. In France, the transition maintains operational continuity.
Situation actuelle
At Prisma Media, the CSE presentation occurred this week, with ongoing discussions between management and representatives. The previous PSE remains under judicial review.
20 Minutes awaits resolution of the shareholder shift and social conflicts, with no final agreement confirmed as of late December.
Telefonica’s plan is approved, with implementations underway. Other telecom operators proceed with their reductions: BT, Deutsche Telekom, TeliaSonera, Verizon, Nokia, and Ericsson have active programs.
Game One will end operations on December 31, 2025.
BBDO Paris (formerly DDB) continues without disruptions, maintaining its 350 staff.
These restructurings reflect broader pressures in media and telecom sectors, with several hundred positions affected across the mentioned groups.
