behind the scenes of the Franceinfo morning show in times of crisis

EXPLORE – ON DEMAND – DOCUMENTARY

Sunday June 9. On this day of the announcement of the dissolution of the National Assembly by Emmanuel Macron, there is astonishment in the editorial staff of Franceinfo, a continuous public service news channel. To the concern for the political future of the country – according to polls, in the event of legislative elections, the National Rally (RN) can win – is added that of the personnel: Marine Le Pen (RN) is in favor of the privatization of the public audiovisual service.

However, another priority is required in the offices installed in the imposing round building of the Maison de la radio et de la musique, in Paris – which also houses France Inter, France Culture, France Musique, France Bleu (renamed “Ici” from January 6, 2025), FIP and Mouv': everyone must put themselves in battle order to cover the unprecedented period which is opening.

By filming behind the scenes, co-directors Mouloud Achour, journalist and presenter of “Clique”, on Canal+, and Salhia Brakhlia, co-presenter of the Franceinfo morning show, offer the viewer the rare opportunity to discover this news factory. Without prejudging what he will think of it.

Makeup Questions

Salhia Brakhlia is, by virtue of her function, almost on all levels. This gives the viewer the opportunity to observe his technique: asking questions to the guest of the day beforehand, during makeup, in the hallway, including on set just before going on air. To destabilize him? Thus, with Gabriel Attal, prime minister on reprieve, who arrives crestfallen the day after the dissolution. “Is it true that you were warned of the dissolution after Pascal Praud [journaliste à Europe 1] ? »asks the journalist, who insists: « Il [Emmanuel Macron] sacrificed you a little. »

Another morning, Salhia Brakhlia discusses with Olivier Faure the creation of the New Popular Front: “You mean that it was Radio France which built the union of the left? » “But of course”replies the socialist leader.

In the corridors, Jean-Philippe Baille, then director of information, also tried to get information (information that the journalist kept to himself, a priori). Some people don't let themselves be taken in, like Bruno Le Maire. “On the ground, what do we tell you? »asks the journalist. “I’ll tell you. But as Madame is filming, I can’t say anything”replies the budget minister, pointing to the camera off-camera. Others set their conditions, like Manuel Bompard (La France insoumise, LFI), who wants to ensure, before expressing himself, that the film shot will be passed “after the campaign”.

Plurality obliges, personalities from all sides parade: Eric Zemmour (Reconquête!), very happy, Jean-François Copé (Les Républicains), closed: “What he [Macron] what he did is unforgivable. » Later, it will be Gérald Darmanin, Clément Beaune, Manon Aubry and the inevitable François Hollande… Outside, the camera also follows the informative filming of a subject on François Ruffin, who goes door to door…

The second round is experienced mainly through the reactions of Aurélie Trouvé (LFI), guest of Franceinfo, and her collaborator, both very moved. Despite hard work, no one seems to have anticipated that the RN would come in third place.