“Madam, Miss, Sir… good evening…” For the last time, on Thursday, July 10, Patrick Poivre d’Arvor will pronounce this famous phrase, opening all his news broadcasts for nearly 21 years. PPDA is spending his final hours at the helm of the largest French television news program. Over the years, he has managed to captivate several generations of viewers with his unique voice, as well as an entire generation of journalists. His experience, charisma, and talent have made him a true popular icon both in his profession and beyond.
Reached by phone, Nathalie Layani, journalist and news presenter for France 3 Méditerranée, part of the new generation, speaks to us about the “pope” of television for the past thirty years: “It had to happen one day; for viewers not to grow weary, you need to know how to refresh the image you project. It’s a profession that can wear out both itself and the viewers. Moreover, at almost 60 years old, Poivre should have known to step down on his own. That being said, PPDA remains and will remain the benchmark in his field for years to come…”
The sentiment is echoed by Maurice Huleu, former journalist and editor-in-chief of Nice-Matin, who belongs to the older generation of journalists: “Journalism is a unique profession where changing the scene is necessary. PPDA stayed on TF1 for a very long time, where he seemed to fall into a certain routine. Patrick Poivre d’Arvor is a charming man, a very great professional, but above all, always amiable with his colleagues. On the principle of his departure, I find it coherent; younger people should be given a chance. However, the manner in which he was let go is scandalous…”
Patrick Poivre d’Arvor is thus leaving the airwaves and TF1 tonight. Although already approached by other television channels, he has yet to announce what his future will hold.
On June 14, 2006, two years before his departure, Patrick Poivre d’Arvor spoke about his profession and its drawbacks. Here’s what he told us:
N-P: As a news presenter on TF1 for many years, what has it taught you?
P.P.D.A.: A sort of tolerance with an outlook on a more open world. Seeing, discovering, understanding… I find it amazing; it constantly stimulates curiosity.
N-P: What do you dislike about the journalism profession?
P.P.D.A.: Sometimes, the “pack” mentality. You have to like this one or that one. You have to dislike this one or that one. Otherwise, the profession is magnificent. It’s true that sometimes people’s behavior isn’t always elegant, but otherwise, it’s a very, very beautiful profession.
