Laurent Vareille… If that name doesn’t ring a bell, you at least know his voice which broadcasts every day on the morning show of France BLEU Azur. What’s that? There are people reading this article and thinking aloud: “But, I don’t listen to that radio!” And yet, ladies and gentlemen, it’s the radio station to tune into on the coast. It cheerfully keeps you up to date with everything happening in your area: news – traffic – events – cooking… and much more. In short, France BLEU Azur (Frequency 103.8) is the quintessential radio of the French Riviera!
Nice-Premiere visited this Nice station where they met Laurent Vareille, a journalist who, for once, was on the other side of the interview.
Nice-Première: Who is Laurent Vareille?
Laurent Vareille: I am a simple journalist… versatile, that’s a trendy word. I am a reporter, although at the moment I have been hosting the morning editions on France Bleu Azur for two years.
N-P: How did you become a journalist?
L.V.: I became a journalist while finishing my university studies. I was studying history at the University of Limoges and started freelancing for a regional newspaper. I worked there for a year. Then, while still studying, I turned to radio. After many, very long years of fixed-term contracts and freelancing at Radio France, all around France, I was made a permanent staff member in Nice to launch a new local radio for the France Bleu network.
N-P: What does a typical day for Laurent Vareille look like?
L.V.: It’s structured and leaves little room for surprises. It’s the only way to not be too worn out. Indeed, I wake up at 3 a.m. An hour later, I am at the radio station to write the first editions. I write and present the news and an interactive show with listeners until 10 a.m. Everything is structured, and each day, I follow the steps of the previous one. Only the news changes. Nonetheless, one must always act as if it were the first time speaking on the radio.
After 10 a.m., I help out in the newsroom of France Bleu Azur. Then, back home, a nap… a bit of life in the late afternoon and early evening, and then to bed; the night is short.
N-P: What does it mean to you to be a journalist?
L.V.: It means having the privilege to observe the world. We get paid to do that. It’s also about being committed yet never distorting the information. It’s simply about being honest in one’s work.
N-P: What’s your opinion on the media in the Azur region?
L.V.: They are numerous and varied. Nice-Matin is on top in terms of reputation, but unfortunately, instead of acting as a big brother, the regional daily is continually on the defensive and doesn’t really play the role of a leader. This is unfortunate, as it does a disservice to other print media. As for audio-visual, the channels are doing well. In my opinion, the competition is healthy and constructive.
N-P: What difficulties do you often encounter during your reports?
L.V.: It’s too difficult to answer such a question. Every report is different. The resulting issues are therefore really not the same. Sometimes, there are technical, geographic, or ethical issues. There are always challenges. It takes experience to overcome them, which is often underrated. But I can assure you that an experienced journalist will handle difficult situations better than a younger professional.
N-P: What advice would you give to a young girl or a young man who would like to become a journalist?
L.V.: Have the desire and never give up. Also, don’t lie to yourself and find the path that suits you. You don’t necessarily need to do TV if you don’t like images, talking, and appearing on a little screen. Don’t go into print journalism if you don’t enjoy writing. I know it sounds cliché to say this, but I assure you I have seen it all at this level.
