Although he is not leaving RTBF – he will be presenting a new cultural prime-time from 2025 on La Une –, it is a page that is turning for Carolo and for many viewers and families Belgians. To accompany him, during this moment which already promises to be moving, François de Brigode will be able to count on Marie-Bernard Schneiders, his companion for almost 40 years.
Since their meeting at RTBF Charleroi in the 1980s, when she was a scriptwriter and he was a journalist, the couple have continued to support each other and give each other advice. His departure from the news was not a secret or a taboo subject at home. “I’ve been expecting this for a long time. François told me about itexplains Marie-Bernard. “But, 27 years is not nothing. He didn’t want to end his career on the news with a simple ‘bye bye’. He wanted to do things well.“
A second leading face of the RTBF news also leaves office
Regarding his parting words, François de Brigode, however, leaves the surprise to his companion. “François has always been very secretive. So I don’t know what he’s going to say or do on screen. But, I expect a lot of emotion. Will he let a tear escape? It’s a surprise, for me too.“
Do you fear that he will regret his departure from the news?
“No not at all. When Francis makes a decision, he never turns back. He turns the page. He will also have plenty to keep him busy because in addition to his activities in radio and photography, he is preparing a cultural program for next year. He left a job he loved to do what he also loves. He has always been very active. I don’t worry about him.“
What influence did he give to the RTBF news in your opinion?
“François has always had a lot of personality. He is very open and is passionate about information. She is part of him. Even if he leaves the news presentation, he will still watch the news because he always loved it.“
How do you cope with being the companion of a news star?
“It makes me laugh! At first it was a little weird because when we were walking outside there were always people accosting him for a photo. They gave me the camera in hand so I could take photos of him with the others. (laughs) Then it was the selfies. In France he was also recognized. I remember a museum guard who was delighted to meet the Belgian news presenter. People were always kind and not intrusive towards him.“
Does he regularly ask your opinion regarding his professional life?
“I have always had a critical mind regarding his profession. I tell him my way of thinking. ‘It’s great what you did on the news’ or ‘Why did you do it like that?’ At first, I recorded him to tell him what was going well or not in his presentation. I also experienced these 27 years of JT with him in a certain way. I saw him evolve.“
What do you think of Laurent Mathieu, his successor at 19 h 30 ?
“It’s a cute successor! (laughs) Laurent is a good choice. I know him because he did a play with François. He played music and François recited texts by Camus.“
