Behind the scenes of Mayor-Sophie Lacarrau's visit to TF1

INTERVIEW

The announcement of her name had surprised many people, and especially at France 2. Marie-Sophie Lacarrau will replace Jean-Pierre Pernaut in January 2021 at 13h on TF1.

A choice that came to explain the director of information of the TF1 group Thierry Thuillier, guest of the program 

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End the "beauty contest"

This could be one of the unexpected consequences of the health crisis: "the confinement may have accelerated the thinking of Jean-Pierre Pernaut" to leave at 1 p.m., confides the director of information of the TF1 group, guest of 

for s 'express on the arrival of Marie-Sophie Lacarrau.

The presenter, who will leave his post on December 18, had in fact distanced himself from the antenna during confinement. 

Thierry Thuillier however also recognizes that the revelation of the

on the departure of Jean-Pierre Pernaut has accelerated his decision-making.

Thierry Thuillier explains in fact that "in the com ', it went a little faster than what we had imagined".

According to him, they thought to announce "between early October and mid-October" the future departure of the presenter.

But why choose and reveal the name of his successor, Marie-Sophie Lacarrau so quickly?

"There was a beauty contest for potential candidates," observes Thierry Thuillier.

"It was better to go fast to avoid dashed hopes and false leads, hence this quick decision."

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How France 2 lived (with difficulty) the departure of Marie-Sophie Lacarrau

A collegial choice

"We looked at all the possible options internally and externally. Marie-Sophie Lacarrau imposed herself quite naturally," reveals the director of information.

Thierry Thuillier explains not having made this choice alone, but in reflection between Gilles Pélisson, general manager of the TF1 group, and Ara Aprikian, director of programs of TF1.

Thierry Thuillier had spotted the journalist when she worked for France 3 in Toulouse.

It was already he who had led her to present the national edition of the JT of France 3, then to become joker of 13h, which she then took the presentation.

Thierry Thuillier sums up the choice of Marie-Sophie Lacarrau as follows: "Experiences, proximity to the regions - she is an Occitan, she is attached to the regions and this is very important for us, given the specific format of the 1 pm. he is a lovely person whom I know will blend in with TF1's 13h culture and with the editorial staff. "

Courtesy calls between TF1 and France 2

Thierry Thuillier also reveals how he managed TF1's relationship with France 2, a channel that finds itself cut off from its mid-day news anchor.

"The first blow that I passed to Laurent Guimier since his arrival at the news directorate of France Televisions is an unpleasant phone call for him", he admits, before saying more about their exchanges.

"The politeness was that Marie-Sophie Lacarrau first announced her decision to him. In the process, I called him to greet him and see what we could do together in terms of communication." 

A collaboration on the announcement which will ultimately be doubled by media leaks.

According to Thierry Thuillier, Gilles Pélisson also had a "brief exchange of information" with his public service counterpart Delphine Ernotte.

He remains discreet about his discussions with Laurent Guimier.

"He took note of the decision, before managing with his editorial staff. I would like us to be able to talk to each other in a more serene way after his events" he added, however, suggesting that the transfer of Marie -Sophie Lacarrau had strained relations between the two chains.

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