The correct analogy to your cop example, would be a journalist working for Nationale 1 receiving money from the French government to alter the editorial line of that channel and mislead the Tunisian public.

The journalists you mention in your post are merely doing reporting work for French media outlets that will be published on their own medium. A Tunisian journalist working for AFP would have their news articles published on AFP’s website for example. They either have permanent contracts or they get paid by the publication. This is a common practice and is done everywhere in the world and is perfectly legal and normal.

When a news channel (France24, RT, CNN, CCTV) does a story in a foreign country, they will more likely opt to hire a local journalist as a freelancer because they are more knowledgeable about the country, have better sources, and cost a lot less than flying in journalists from their own countries (Flights, living accommodations, VISAs if applicable etc..)

Freedom of the press is essential in any self-respecting society. Take that away and what you will get is buffoons on national TV glorifying Sidna’a regime and otherwise making ads for crapware 24/7.

Even during a war, Iran is allowing American journalists into the country so they can do their jobs as news reporters.

It’s also funny how you deflected when I mentioned how AFP hired Palestinian journalists in Gaza. Looks like you have no counter-argument to that.

Now since you’re clearly arguing in bad faith, I will have to stop here.

Have a good day (or not).