The editorial team brought together its Hérault correspondents in Pézenas to thank them for their daily commitment.
Due to its central location in the heart of Hérault, the historic city of Pézenas was ideal for bringing together all the correspondents of this department, which extends from the high cantons to the sea. This position convinced Free Midi to meet them this Friday, June 28, in the evening, at the Maison du Peuple. Indeed, while customarily, for its traditional correspondents’ day, the newspaper invites them to share a festive moment at the company’s headquarters, this year it was decided that the editorial staff would go out into the field itself!
A formidable territorial network
All participants were welcomed by Estelle Devic, deputy editor-in-chief of the editorial team, who thanked them warmly for their presence: “I am delighted to be with you! You are indeed essential, because in direct contact with our readers and ready to convey their feelings and expectations to us.” And Free Midi has succeeded in reporting regional information for more than 80 years, it is above all thanks to a formidable network of men and women committed to covering the news in their territory. This is why several of them were rewarded (see below) for their initiative, their responsiveness or their sense of photography!
Caricatures of Man
Several raffle draws also interspersed the evening and allowed the lucky ones to win a tasty portrait signed Man, the famous newspaper cartoonist present that evening. The famous magician Belfiore, renowned for his mysterious magic tricks, was also there to liven up the evening. Journalist Édith Lefranc, from the Villages and Proximity department, took advantage of the awards ceremony to encourage correspondents to explore new avenues: “Don’t hesitate to go beyond the framework of the agenda to offer us some nice initiative articles. We are obviously here to inform but also to create links in the villages!”
The newspaper’s 80th anniversary
Before enjoying a generous cocktail accompanied by pleasant musical notes from guitarist Jean-Baptiste Sobas, Estelle Devic thanked the correspondents present one last time and recalled the upcoming deadlines: “The 80th anniversary of the Liberation is fast approaching. This will be an opportunity for each of you to tell the story of your community during this troubled time. As you know, this anniversary coincides with that of the creation of Free Midday.“
Mickael Esdourrubailh
Initiative Award
It was the journalist Christine Didier who had the honour of presenting the first prize of the evening to the correspondent of Sussargues Jean-Luc Delas. He wrote a very beautiful article dedicated to Aurore Montiel. The young woman managed to overcome the despair caused by the very serious illness of her daughter, fortunately saved afterwards, by creating splendid works of art sculpted in wood, called “souls of iron wood”. A way for her to release her pain and express her artistic talent.
Mickael Esdourrubailh
Photo price
The Palavas-les-Flots correspondent received the photo prize from Edith Lefranc, deputy head of the Villages and Proximity department. Lara Montigny has indeed captured photos of “flying fish”, or rather magnificent balloons made of paragliding canvas, carried by the wind. These were deployed on the left bank of the seafront to create a truly magical atmosphere on a cold January evening. Magic !
Mickael Esdourrubailh
Alert price
Deputy editor Estelle Devic awarded the alert prize to the correspondent from Clermont-l’Hérault. He was rewarded for his reactivity on the occasion of a tragic news item that took place in the town. A madman had taken refuge in a bank before being shot dead by the police. As soon as he learned of this terrible incident, Jean-Albert Polge alerted the Midi Libre editorial team so that they could cover the event as quickly as possible.
Mickael Esdourrubailh
Discovery Prize
Béziers agency head Mélissa Alcoléa awarded the discovery prize to Caux correspondent Maud Chayer. She has indeed produced a beautiful portrait of the singer and musician Anaïs Dubeau, who released her first album this year entitled La Traversée. In his songs, the artist mixes several styles since there is jazz, French and Latin music. A beautiful artistic story which has its place in the columns of Midi Libre, which brings culture to life in our region!
Mickael Esdourrubailh
Environmental Prize
Journalist at the Béziers agency, René Ferrando presented the environment prize to Portiragnes correspondent Murielle Guevel for her article on the permaculture garden at the Sablons campsite. A vegetable garden with a dual purpose, since it supplies the campsite restaurant and also raises public awareness of this type of culture. A report which highlights the work of Midi Libre correspondents to promote initiatives – numerous in our region – aimed at protecting the environment.
Mickael Esdourrubailh
Availability price
This is a brand new prize that Christine Didier has awarded to Frontignan correspondent Nolwenn Latour.
Mickael Esdourrubailh
This is the price of availability, an essential quality for a local correspondent. Nolwenn Latour, for example, demonstrated unfailing speed during the “Escale à Sète” festival where she produced several articles within a given time. Christine Didier also wanted to thank all the correspondents for this sometimes very demanding daily commitment to covering the news in their territory.
