The world of culture mourns the death of Bernard Pivot, famous French journalist and host, known for having marked the history of television and literature. His disappearance leaves a void in the media and intellectual landscape.
The world of television and literature is in mourning following the death of Bernard Pivot, at the age of 89. Journalist, presenter and great fan of football and wine, he left an indelible mark on the French cultural landscape.
Bernard Pivot is best known for having hosted the cult show Apostrophes for 15 years, from 1975 to 1990. This literary show left its mark on an entire generation of viewers, sparking a love of books in millions of people.
His passion for literature reflected all his cheerfulness and his spirit of openness. Bernard Pivot has created an unmissable event for culture lovers, bringing together prestigious guests such as Georges Brassens, Gainsbourg, Marguerite Duras, Soljenitsyne and many others.
After Apostrophes, he continued to make his mark on the media landscape with the show Bouillon de Culture. However, the evolution of morals and television standards has somewhat forced this enthusiast of discussion and debate to adapt.
His involvement in public debate has been controversial, particularly following the controversy surrounding Gabriel Matzneff. This affair highlighted the evolution of mentalities towards certain practices, thus questioning the heritage of the media figures of his time.
When he died, tributes poured in from everywhere, testifying to the major impact he had on the French cultural landscape. But beyond these testimonies, let us let his own words speak which reveal his humor and lucidity: “The habit of radio stations calling me when a writer dies is so great that the day I die, they will call me.”
Signed Giltay
