This is a new attempt for BFMTV to assert itself against the 8 p.m. giants. The 24-hour news channel, now owned by CMA CGM, the group of billionaire Rodolphe Saadé, will offer its own 8 p.m. news. From January 6, Maxime Switek will be in charge of this new information meeting.
A peaceful and “benevolent” atmosphere
For BFMTV, the objective is clear: capture a wider audience. Until now, BFMTV has favored debate shows but with mixed results. According to “The World”, this new strategy aims to refocus the channel on information and reports, moving away from on-set confrontations. Lasting no less than two hours, this new news will offer a hybrid format combining reports, interviews and discussions with experts, in a calmer and more relaxed atmosphere. “benevolent”still reports “Le Monde”. According to “Télérama”, Tuesday morning, Fabien Namias underlined the importance of refocusing the channel on information and reports, while announcing a strengthening of weekend programs. Future projects also include a new look for the channel.
ALSO READ: BFMTV: Éric Brunet, removed from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. barely three months after his arrival, will be replaced by Maxime Switek in January
Maxime Switek adds a new “box” to his range: the current tenant of 9/12 on BFMTV has in the past been at the head of the 10 p.m.-midnight slot (“10 p.m. Max”). From January 6, he will replace Éric Brunet, who could remain an editorial writer on the channel. According to information that Puremédias was able to collect, the morning slot left vacant by Maxime Switek could be entrusted to Julie Hammett.
This upheaval comes as BFMTV is under increased pressure from CNews, which has taken away first place among news channels several times this year. In November, CNews had an audience share of 3.1%, compared to 2.8% for BFMTV, according to Médiamétrie. A shift which also occurs in a context of internal reorganization for BFMTV. The transfer clause, opened after the repurchase of the channel by CMA CGM, led to the departure of around thirty journalists, including important figures such as Philippe Corbé, former editorial director. Another project is also underway: that of numbering. From 2025, BFMTV could well see LCI and Franceinfo come together on remote control with the hypothesis of the creation of a block of information channels.
