Mini-earthquake in the French audiovisual landscape: the very popular Jean-Pierre Pernaut will leave TF1 at 1 p.m., which he has been presenting since 1988. He will devote himself to other projects within the channel, announced a spokesperson for TF1, confirming information from the Figaro. The 70-year-old journalist is expected to leave his post before Christmas.
Jean-Pierre Pernaut had temporarily withdrawn of the nation’s most watched midday newscast during lockdown. He had also left the antenna for a few weeks in the fall of 2018, to treat prostate cancer.
“At the head since February 22, 1988 of the most watched mid-day edition in Europe, Jean-Pierre Pernaut took the decision, in consultation with Thierry Thuillier, director of information, and Gilles Pélisson, Chairman and CEO of the TF1 Group, to hand over the baton to the 1pm presentation at the end of the year, to devote himself to new projects within the editorial staff “, the channel explained in a statement.
At the head of a new meeting on LCI
The journalist will in particular continue to conduct outreach operations such as “SOS Villages” and will always participate in the special editions of the antenna, such as the retransmission of the parade of July 14, specifies TF1.
Furthermore, it “will offer long reporting formats for TF1”, “will present” a new meeting on LCI “, and “will develop a digital content offering”, sure “the themes which are dear to him of regions, heritage and proximity”, adds the flagship chain of the Bouygues group.
“Jean-Pierre Pernaut shaped and gave his DNA to the 13H of TF1 with unparalleled success. He sets us again the example by deciding to leave the presentation of the 13H when he is at the height of his popularity”, commented Thierry Thuillier, quoted in the press release. Gilles Pélisson said to him “very happy that Jean-Pierre Pernaut has decided to write a new page with the TF1 Group from next January and that he continues to share with the public his passion for heritage and the regions”.
The name of his successor is not yet known.
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