It was in 1919 that Pierre Taittinger, then aged 32, created his first title “Le Journal de Saintes”, printed in the Santone city. In addition, he wrote articles in other titles in the area: “Le Courrier de Jonzac”, “L'Union nationale” which became “Le Journal de Saint-Jean-d'Angély” in 1926, “Le Journal de Royan”, “The Awakening of the Island of Oléron” or “Le Rhallais”…
In 1933, he bought “L’Echo rochelais” and the Imprimerie rochelaise. When he can, he acquires the title and its printing press. This is the case for “Le Matin charentais” in Angoulême and “Le Journal de Saint-Jean-d’Angély”. But also in Vendée and Champagne. When he encountered resistance from owners, he signed editorial agreements providing journalists and political editorials.
Banned upon Liberation
“It was really he who initiated this way of doing politics by distilling his far-right ideas through his media channels,” explains the author. Until then, there was independence. » During the Occupation, its titles continued to appear, displaying very collaborationist positions; they were banned after the Liberation and the printing presses were confiscated.
With what money was he able to invest in all these activities, whether the press or his other businesses? “This is the great mystery,” summarizes Pierre Frustier (1). He's a guy with no money to begin with. He is supported by the Bonapartist conservatives, but I have no proof of that. »
(1) “Pierre Taittinger, press boss of the Interwar period”, by Pierre Frustier – Geste Éditions (2001).
