Nice Première: Eric Charay, could you introduce yourself to the viewers of Nice Première?
Eric Charay: I’m a radio and television presenter. After a stint at RMC and TMC, and some experiences at France Bleu in Paris, I’m currently hosting the daily slot from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM on France Bleu Azur in Nice, the newest among the local radio stations of Radio France, which should not be confused with Radio Bleue as it often is!
France Bleu Azur is a modern general-interest radio station; it’s kind of like a radio version of France 3 regional. I also serve as the executive producer and host of a daily entertainment magazine called “Plein la Vue,” broadcasted on Nice Television. This show is filmed in the most beautiful places of the Côte d’Azur, and you can watch it online at www.nice-television.fr (a little promotion never hurts (laughs)!!!).
NP: What is your role at France Bleu Azur?
EC: In a nutshell, my role is similar to William Leymergie’s on Télé-Matin; I am tasked with blending news with programs, welcoming various columnists and journalists in turn, and creating a connection with each to set a tone that is both serious and friendly.
NP: What is the most memorable report you’ve done?
EC: It was actually a series of shows I did about 8 years ago for TMC, aimed at exploring the behind-the-scenes manufacturing of everyday consumer products called “Ça Marche Comme Ça.” I must admit I was amazed by the industrial production of tiramisu in a high-tech factory in Milan.
Another fond memory is my encounter with Michel Leeb during a summer show I presented live from the port of Monaco. He turned the set upside down, and I believe it was one of my longest laughs!
NP: What are Eric Charay’s upcoming projects?
EC: Vacation…!!! Likely Canada this summer, a country I am particularly fond of and where I return as often as I can since I have friends there I visit once a year.
NP: How do you judge the media landscape in Nice?
EC: Regarding the radio, they are generally too musical for my taste. There is so much to say about this beautiful region. Without being overly corporate, I really find what I need in terms of local news of all sorts on France Bleu Azur.
The local free press is generally well done even if it is not always popular in the right sense of the word; the excessive trendiness often excludes a good portion of the potential readership.
NP: Are you an internet user, and if so, what sites do you visit regularly?
EC: Primarily for work and personally, the site www.coteazur-en-fetes.com where you can find summaries of upcoming events in the region. It’s brief, but there’s always contact information for more details or to book tickets.
Of course, www.nice-television.fr to watch shows hosted by my colleagues from Nice TV.
And from now on, I promise I will regularly log on to Nice Première!
NP: If I say ‘Nice’?
Nice: The beauty, the most beautiful city in the world, biking to work along the promenade, what a joy!
Radio:
France Bleu Azur, of course!!!
Internet:
The largest information reservoir to find in a second what sometimes took hours to find.
Old Nice:
The Bar Théâtre des Oiseaux on Rue de l’Abbaye, the headquarters of a radio playmate: Mado la Niçoise.
Tramway:
After the works, it will be great! In short, the omelet will doubtless be perfect, but for now, we are at the egg-breaking stage.
NP: Finally, if you had to choose another profession, what would it be?
EC: I would love to stage a play with my radio friends who make me die laughing both on and off the air. I am thinking in particular of Adrien Mangano and Thierry Mesnage (a kind of clone of Jean-Yves Lafesse who reviews in “Plein la Vue” on NTV).
