In France women readers tend not to read dailies which are suffering as a result. A study of reception, comprising an analysis of reading habits of a regional daily, an analysis of male and female readers' discourse during comprehensive interviews, and an analysis of articles in dailies, shows that the news is intended for a 'universal'? male reader. Women's main interests and values and feminine issues in general seem to be low down on the list of news priorities dominated by competition and power in the areas of sport, politics and economics. This male-centred view of the public sphere is helping to slow down essential change in society.