"Among the factors of trouble in the relationship to the news, there is the emergence of +talks+ (talk shows, talk shows, editor's note), and in particular +talks+ who claim to be information," Thuillier said during a conference-debate at the Assises du journalisme in Tours.
"Sorry to say it, but Hanouna does a lot of damage to the news," he added during the debate on the public's crisis of trust in the media.
"When you have politicians from this country who go on a set to be bullied, (...) I think it serves the information," continued the head of the news of the TF1 group, calling to make "the distinction between our professions, our practices" of journalists, and other things "which are entertainment".
Thierry Thuillier said that he did not "speak" about other talk shows like "Quotidien", "which makes a +infotainment + (mix of information and entertainment, editor's note) of quality", or "C à vous".
"Quotidien" is broadcast in the early evening on TMC, a channel of the TF1 group, and "C à vous" on the public channel France 5.
Cyril Hanouna presents "Touche pas à mon poste!" (TPMP) every night on C8 (Canal+ group, billionaire Vincent Bolloré).
Le Figaro said Sunday that TF1 had decided to sue TPMP, because of attacks on air at the end of November against one of its programs, "Le late avec Alain Chabat". Questioned by AFP, the channel did not comment.
At the time, TF1 had criticized TPMP for having disseminated "false information" on the cost of the show and had protested to Arcom, the media regulator, assuring in a statement that it reserved "the right to defend its interests by any other means".
Cyril Hanouna has been at the center of many controversies in recent months. In February, C8 was sentenced to a record fine of 3.5 million euros by Arcom because of the insults hurled live at LFI MP Louis Boyard in November.
The Assises du journalisme de Tours, an annual meeting of debates and reflections of the profession, takes place this week from Monday to Saturday.
© 2023 AFP