A Charismatic Leader's Use of the Media

Abstract

This article analyzes the relationship between Charles de Gaulle and television during his presidency. It examines the way the Gaullist regime controlled television and how this control influenced political coverage. It shows how propaganda requirements interfered with news values and the journalistic criteria of story suitability. This article also seeks to understand the influences that have shaped the relationship between de Gaulle and the media. It argues that de Gaulle refused to liberalize state television because of his belief in a powerful state, his preference for strong leadership, and the necessity for him to establish a personal relationship with the nation above and beyond the political parties against which he struggled. Finally, this article develops the concept of charismatic action, which refers to the public and broadcast acts that de Gaulle performed either to reinforce his charisma or to make demands on people by relying on his charisma.