The 60 Million Consumers magazine soon to be sold to the highest bidder?

Since 1970, 60 Million consumers has established itself as an essential reference for French people seeking reliable and independent information on everyday products and services. Published by the National Consumer Institute (INC), this public interest tool was designed to guarantee impartial analyses, protected from advertising and commercial pressures. But today, this pillar of information finds itself at a turning point in its history, facing major economic difficulties and a controversial privatization project.

60 Million Consumers: towards a privatization of the magazine?

The government, through Laurence Garnier, Secretary of State for Consumer Affairs, announced on November 18, 2024 its intention to find a private buyer for this emblematic magazine. The economic model of 60 Million consumers has weakened over the years. Between 2012 and 2020, public subsidies granted to the INC fell from 6.3 million to 2.7 million euros, drastically limiting the investments necessary to adapt to a rapidly changing press market. At the same time, the magazine’s readership has experienced rapid erosion, going from 140,000 subscribers in 2019 to just 76,000 in 2024. This double pressure, combined with chronic financial losses for seven years, has exhausted the title’s reserves, leaving few options for survival.

For the government, privatization is presented as a pragmatic solution. The idea is to entrust the magazine to a buyer capable of providing financial resources and marketing skills to attract new audiences, in particular by developing digital offers. But this approach arouses virulent criticism, particularly on the risk of losing the very essence of the magazine: its total independence from private interests.

The intervention of an unexpected actor: UFC-Que Choisir positions itself

In this context, a new actor positioned itself on November 19, 2024: the UFC-Que Choisir association. Known for its commitment to consumers, this heavyweight in the sector has declared its interest in a recovery of 60 Million consumers. For UFC-Que Choisir, the resumption of this title represents a unique opportunity to strengthen its mission of information and consumer protection. The association sees in this acquisition a chance to preserve the values ​​of independence and expertise which have always characterized 60 Million consumers. It is also considering possible synergies between the two entities to pool their skills, while maintaining high standards of editorial rigor.

However, this project is not without controversy. Some observers point out that such a recovery could lead to excessive concentration in the field of consumer information. UFC-Que Choisir, already a leader in the sector, could find itself in a quasi-monopoly position, limiting the plurality of voices and approaches. In addition, questions remain unanswered: does the association have the financial and organizational means to meet the economic challenges of a magazine in crisis while respecting its own independence commitments?

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