Nearly 68% of the press is read in digital format (1). But the kiosquiers of Nice are resisting. Moreover, a new point of sale has emerged, place Pellegrini.
Another is expected near the Grand Arenas multimodal hub.
In total, Nice has no less than 19 newsstands. By way of comparison, at the beginning of the 2000s, their number was around 13.
Then came the tram works. “It justified the development. The axes of passage have changed, the locations too”remembers Laurence Gouniot, located a stone’s throw from the “Opéra Vieille Ville” stop.
From the height of her thirty years of experience, she has seen the end of a world. That of news outlets. “At the time of my father, in the 70s and 80s, there were at least forty in Nice, it was going strong. Then came the supermarkets and their large shelves”she breathes.
The love story flounders before crashing against the surge of the Internet. “Social media bombards people with headlines. It’s all free, instant”, mutters Lætitia Chassaing. Around Place Masséna, she sells less and less “of paper, especially the dailies”. And to regret the fact that many subscriptions are “at bargain prices” for digital offers. “As a result, people no longer come to the kiosk…”. When the dematerialization and the disenchantment of the press meet, remains “a ton of unsold items at the end of the month”figure Laurence Gouniot.
“A packet of sweets brings me more”
But the deliveries continue to flow in, like the palettes of magazines and newspapers surrounding Sami Sarkis, 33 years in the business, 23 of whom spent on the forecourt of the Palais de Justice. “A Lucky Location”he smiles humbly, a thought for those who do not benefit from the “passing customers”. The tourists. Here they are fluttering between countless postcards and other goodies more or less useful memories. “Des gadgets”, sweeps the kiosk with the back of his hand. At 62, he holds on for the love of the press, “this sector in crisis”, he summarizes, a bit sardonically. Because now it is forced to diversify to exist. Almost every buyer leaves with a scratch ticket. “What to retain”, says Sami Sarkis. He adds, a bit wryly: “But when you know that a packet of sweets brings me more than the sale of two newspapers….”
“Social link builder”
But then, why set up new kiosks in town?
At the origin of these initiatives, the City of Nice explains “attach great importance to kiosks which are real places of entertainment in the neighborhoods, creator of social ties”.
Despite everything, the municipality passed the baton concerning the upkeep, maintenance and commercial and operation of the kiosks. Since 2017, the market has been returned to Médiakiosk, a subsidiary of the JCDecaux company, leasing the spaces to kiosks.
“We need gardeners of culture”
Behind his counter, Laurence Gouniot makes a diagnosis: “The disappearance of news outlets has led to the emergence of many kiosks. Because the kiosk is a multi-purpose whole that better copes with the crisis.”
“Crisis”, a word in everyone’s mouth. And yet, when you have to look back, “no regrets. There will always be kiosks. They are meeting places, information”rejoices Lyndia Labbaci.
At 37, she moved about a year ago next to the Albert-I garden.is.
“Because we need cultural gardeners”philosopher Sami Sarkis, the dean-kiosk of the courthouse.
Because the press is “still synonymous with quality and professionalism” face “to the innumerable contents that can be found permanently on the Internet”, he wishes to recall. So he will continue until retirement. Here, the readers of the Figaro like Chained Duckof The Republic as Nice morning. Kind of social and cultural crossroads. Despite crisis.
1. Alliance for Press and Media Figures (ACPM) 2021 study.