Hello everyone,

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I am sorry not to be with you in person today, but it is with great pleasure that I address you on the occasion of the inauguration of the new France Télévisions studios in Vendargues. Dear Delphine, it is a source of great pride for our region, Occitanie, to welcome these new studios, which enable us to occupy a significant and distinctive place in our country’s audiovisual production landscape.

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In our region, we remain mindful that behind every film, every series, and every documentary lie jobs, vitality, and enhanced attractiveness for our territories. This project is truly exceptional. It will create 500 local jobs. As you know, my absolute priority is employment creating opportunities for all the people of Occitanie, both today and in the future. That is why we have chosen to pursue an ambitious policy, recognizing the Cultural and Creative Industries as a fully-fledged economic sector. While we must never overlook their artistic dimension, their economic importance is fundamental.

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Occitanie is home to nearly 550 companies in the audiovisual and film sectors, employing more than 11,500 people. Un si grand soleil mobilizes nearly 2,000 technicians, actors, and extras each year. We are therefore proud to support this series through our regional audiovisual creation fund. With the “Occitanie, it’s filming!” plan, our proactive strategy is delivering results: Occitanie now ranks first among the most attractive regions for fiction production.

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We also know how essential culture is in shaping our society and strengthening our Republic. It brings us together, encourages reflection, entertains us, and challenges us. At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly on social media, and when the very notion of truth is sometimes questioned, we share a collective responsibility as public service actors. Our role is to fight tirelessly against disinformation, which is a genuine threat to democracy and to the Republic.

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For this reason, the Region remains firmly committed to supporting freedom of creation in all its forms. I would therefore like to express my full solidarity with all professionals in public audiovisual media. You are the guarantors of freedom of expression—a value deeply cherished in Occitanie.

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Dear friends, dear Delphine, thank you for your commitment to delivering a high-quality public audiovisual service. The content you produce sustains democratic debate and reflects the richness and diversity of our society. With its studios in Vendargues, France Télévisions once again reaffirms this ambition.

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We will continue to stand alongside you in pursuing it. We will maintain our support for audiovisual creation and for all those who bring it to life every day. Together, we will move forward and make Occitanie a land of culture, production, empowerment, and opportunity.

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I wish these studios every success and the teams of France Télévisions many outstanding productions here in Occitanie.