Press Wars and Manufactured Scandals

The Belle Époque press discovered scandal's commercial value, sometimes manufacturing controversies for circulation. The rivalry between Le Petit Journal, Le Petit Parisien, Le Matin, and Le Journal drove sensationalism to new heights. Each paper needed daily sensation to outsell competitors.

The affaire des fiches (1904-1905) showed how press campaigns created political scandals. War Minister General André had collected information on officers' religious and political views for promotion decisions. When revealed, the "filing system" scandal toppled the government. But investigation showed the press had exaggerated routine administrative practices into sinister conspiracy.

Newspapers employed specialized scandal reporters. Jean de Bonnefon made career exposing society secrets. Berthe de Rays pioneered investigative techniques, going undercover in factories, brothels, and asylums. These journalists blurred lines between exposure and exploitation, public interest and prurient curiosity.

The feminist press created different scandals by revealing systemic injustices. La Fronde exposed wage discrimination, sexual harassment, and illegal working conditions. These structural scandals lacked individual drama but revealed greater wrongs. Their limited impact compared to personal scandals showed public preference for sensation over substance.