AREVA is a particular company in many respects, but the most important is probably that we are in the eye of the cyclone with respect to communication issues. We cannot communicate through press releases like many companies, because everything we do is highly tied to international energy policies, and immediately raises concerns. We must learn to enter the public debate and use modern social media for this.

Knowkers.org, a group of social activists concerned about manipulation on the web and absence of debate on some of the most crucial issues faced by our planet, published an article one month ago about the different perceptions of AREVA’s investment in Imouraren, Niger. It argues that AREVA is probably underestimating the need to enter into an ongoing debate with the people of Niger through the social media they are using.

Le traitement de cette information à travers les trois fenêtres retenues pour l’analyse (communique de presse d’Areva, le quotidien nigérian Le Républicain, et le blog du MNJ) montre en effet une vision toute relative aux positions de chacun. Alors que le MNJ menace dors et déjà d’agir et faire fi des négociations de paix menée par la Libye, le Républicain parle d’une grande fête nationale, ou la liesse fut au rendez vous. Le communiqué d’Areva quant à lui est très sobre, factuel, tentant une neutralité presque choquante au regard de l’importance de l’événement pour le groupe.

The fact that AREVA Inc. in the US has launched an excellent blog three months ago gives us good hope that we are indeed going to take this challenge.

[thanks Marc]