Missing from the airwaves since the end of October due to health problems, the absence of the renowned sports journalist had caused serious concern among his many admirers.
For weeks, Montreal Canadiens fans and hockey fans wondered what could have happened to the man whose columns have become an essential reference.
Finally, the good news came: Gagnon spoke on social networks to reassure everyone.
“Good evening, after minor health problems – my heart reminded me that I will soon be 62 and not 32 – which set me up for failure in November, I have just obtained the green light to return to work. I’m jumping into the fray tomorrow. Good match! #RDS #CH #relief #thank you »he wrote on X.
In a few minutes, the reactions poured in, and the web reacted unanimously: deep relief mixed with immense joy at finding one of the most respected voices in Quebec sports journalism.
Personalities in the industry, such as Mikaël Lalancette, quickly expressed their happiness:
“Welcome back, François! », while many fans shared their anecdotes and their attachment to the journalist.
Jad Fahd, a longtime supporter, admitted that he eagerly awaited Gagnon’s daily columns from New York, proof of the influence and reach of the columnist’s work.
Messages imbued with humor also flourished, such as that of Pierre Larabie who joked about the drop in Coca-Cola sales in Gagnon’s absence, or that of another Internet user who humorously suggested
“Less Coca-Colca on the bridge”, in reference to an anecdote well known to hockey fans according to which Gagnon is the biggest fan of the soft drink in the world.
Others shared more personal memories:
“You sent me your Hockey Fights Cancer bow tie several years ago and I keep it carefully,” highlighting Gagnon’s human impact beyond his journalistic work.
This massive outpouring of support shows to what extent François Gagnon is a loved and respected figure in the Quebec sporting landscape.
His return is a breath of fresh air for hockey fans, who can once again count on his in-depth analyzes and his contagious passion for the sport.
The announcement of François Gagnon’s return to RDS is not only good news for hockey fans, it is a real lifeline for a network in great difficulty.
As dark clouds gather over the sports broadcaster, the return of their star journalist is seen as an unexpected opportunity to steady a ship in the middle of a storm.
For several months, RDS has struggled to maintain its credibility and relevance in the face of increased competition and a dramatic drop in its subscriptions.
The financial losses of 22 million dollars before taxes over the last year, the 7% drop in the number of subscribers, and the rise of TVA Sports, despite its own challenges, are all alarm signals which demonstrate that the network is in difficulty.
The absence of François Gagnon, a leading figure in Quebec sports journalism, only made the situation worse.
-Deprived of one of its most respected and influential voices, RDS lost part of its credibility and editorial authority, leaving a void that no one has been able to fill.
Fans agree: the network needs Gagnon to put the boat back afloat… before it sinks for good.
The temporary departure of François Gagnon since the end of October has highlighted the shortcomings of an editorial team which is struggling to renew itself and adapt to the new realities of sports journalism.
The time when RDS completely dominated the Quebec media landscape is no more.
During his absence, coverage of the Montreal team suffered from a lack of depth and an incisive critical angle, leaving room for repetitive analyzes often tinged with exaggerated optimism.
Loyal viewers pointed out that without Gagnon, the discussions on RDS looked more like exchanges of “monuncles” than real hockey analysis.
Because Gagnon, despite his 62 years, has always had a youthful approach to sport.
Faced with this collapse in quality, Gagnon’s return is seen as the only credible option to restore the network’s image and offer supporters a balanced and relevant analysis.
François Gagnon represents more than just a journalist: he is the one who can still attract disillusioned hockey fans and restore the network to some of its former glory.
However, the return of François Gagnon alone will not be enough to save RDS.
If the network hopes to avoid disaster, it will have to modernize its programming schedule, give more space to digital and interactive content, and above all, get rid of certain aging figures who no longer attract the new generation.
Gagnon, with his expertise and outspokenness, could play a key role in this transition by offering more dynamic formats and further integrating digital trends into his columns.
RDS is at a turning point in its history. The return of François Gagnon is excellent news, but it should not be seen as a miracle solution.
Without a deep questioning of its model, the network could well disappear under the weight of its own errors and the rapid evolution of the sports media landscape.
Fans expect a lot from this return, but if RDS does not capitalize on this opportunity to reinvent its offer and reconnect with Quebec hockey fans, the boat will continue to sink.
Gagnon’s return can save the sports network.
Our thoughts are with him and his family.
Welcome back, François, and above all, good health!
