ABSTRACT
Party political broadcasts became less boring as interviews and images helped to bring home the politicians' messages. French analysis of political communication during election campaigns has to a great extent been centred on the linguistic analysis of candidates' speeches. The campaign of 2002 for the presidential and general elections saw the parties use videoclip techniques and video imagery with assurance. Several complaints were made by candidates on the question of access to the media during the pre-campaign. The rule of equity in the pre-campaign ensures that no-one is given an advantage by having greater access to programmes or by being praised by journalists. Journalists and news magazines analyse consensus areas, identify striking differences and then organise the one-to-one debate. The television services must keep a record of the invitations to the candidates or presumed candidates but also of people who speak in their support.
