Fnac unleashes the power of reading against the screen generation

3 hours and 11 minutes. That is the daily amount of time our children spend on screens. In contrast, the observation is striking: young people spend an average of only 19 minutes a day reading. Faced with this reality, Fnac, France’s leading bookseller , launched a major national awareness campaign on April 7, 2026, tinged with optimism, to promote the possibility of another “addiction”: reading.

3 hours 11 minutes of screen time a day: an observation, not an inevitability

Fnac does not belong to those who believe that time spent on screens is wasted time. Through them, young people open up to the world, learn, and connect with others.

However, the figures from the 2026 study by the Centre national du livre are worrying: one in three French people aged 16 to 19 does not read at all. Yet, reading helps to develop critical thinking, culture, and creativity. These are essential human skills in a future shaped by artificial intelligence.

“Another addiction is possible”: a positive mobilization

To rebalance this time in favor of reading, Fnac has chosen a deliberately punchy and optimistic message: “Another addiction is possible.”. Deployed massively through outdoor advertising, this campaign aims to be joyful rather than guilt-inducing, and mobilizing rather than alarmist.

The goal is to restore the desire to read without pitting screens against books, through various actions:

• In-store events and experiences: In addition to its cultural programming, a special day will be held at the Fnac des Ternes on April 11. This includes various participatory activities for all audiences: adults, teens, and children. 
• Literary prizes: The Prix Goncourt des Lycéens, co-organized by Fnac for 38 years, immerses nearly 2,000 students in the literary season. The Prix Roman Fnac and the Prix BD Fnac – France Inter mobilize our members, our booksellers, and journalists. 
• Content: A partnership with Quotidien allows us to reach 130,000 readers via a dedicated newsletter. 
• Social Networks: Partnerships with content creators reposition reading directly into the Instagram and TikTok feeds of young people. 
• Supporting purchasing power: The Fnac Reprise service offers an additional 20% in earnings from April 3 to 26 to encourage the resale of books. 

Our stores: lively spaces dedicated to culture

Fnac’s commitment to reading is embodied daily by its 1,300 expert and passionate booksellers. They pass on this addictive pleasure through personalized recommendations.

Fnac stores are genuine cultural living spaces:

• Reading spaces: The stores, particularly those recently remodeled like the Fnac in Dijon, feature spaces where anyone can sit freely to read.
• Free events: In 2025, 142 stores hosted more than 1,000 free events dedicated to reading.

50 years of commitment and strong institutional battles

For half a century, Fnac has been convinced that culture is a force for individual emancipation and has taken a stance in public debate. We thus defend the Lang law and the Darcos law, which guarantee cultural diversity and a fair balance between distribution players.

Our historical and societal commitment to promoting culture is carried at the highest level of the Group.

Enrique Martinez, CEO of Fnac Darty, recalls the importance of this mission: “Screens are not the enemy of reading. But we are witnessing a gradual vampirization of our time, which affects adults as much as young people. As the leading bookseller in France, we have the responsibility to lead this fight, for the benefit of all readers, and future readers.”