Protesters supporting editorial independence for Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes say: "Yes to information - No to propaganda!" Photo: NC Journalists Facebook |
According to Economist and Pacific Scoop reports, they wanted any new owners to sign an agreement guaranteeing their freedom.
The paper was being bought by New Caledonian business interests with reportedly close links to the territory's pro-French, anti-independence political forces.
This followed the sale of the paper in December 2012 by its owners, Groupe Hersant Media, to a group including French businessman Bernard Taipe, which snapped up several newspapers across France and its overseas territories.
Since
last May 17, when the assets were finally transferred to New Caledonian ownership, Les Nouvelles Calédoniennes
has been controlled by three local business interests.