Léa Salamé refused a huge sum of money and preferred to agree to take over the 8 p.m. news on France 2 for a lower salary. But would the 45-year-old journalist regret her decision?
Léa Salamé plays big. Since the start of the school year, the star public service journalist has settled behind the desk of the 8 p.m. news on France 2, succeeding Anne-Sophie Lapix. A real 360 degree turn since it is a more structured exercise than his muscular face-to-faces of What an era!. But she chose to take on the exercise, despite the risks and losses…
Léa Salamé: this “Hanounesque salary” that she refused
The Franco-Lebanese woman refused comfort and millions. Last spring, Rodolphe Saadé, owner of BFMTV, wanted to make her his French Oprah Winfrey. He offered him a daily talk show and a salary worthy of the highest salaries in the PAF, a salary close to 50,000 euros per month if we are to believe Release. But Léa Salamé said no. “She refused a Hanounesque salary. In this business, someone who refuses a lot of money is not commonplace.“, assured Pascal Praud, who knows the host well, in an investigation Challenges.
But the beginnings are more difficult than expected. France Télévisions is going through a period of austerity, between tight budgets and internal reorganization. “She discovers a complex environment, not always benevolent“, analyzed a trade unionist from the group. Furthermore, despite some notable interviews, Léa Salamé has not yet won over the public.
Léa Salamé, disappointed with her arrival on the news? “She expected to break down”
Audiences are growing slowly: 3.69 million viewers on average, compared to 3.34 million for Anne-Sophie Lapix a year earlier. While this is an encouraging increase, it is far from satisfying the ambitious 45-year-old journalist. “She expected to bring down the house, but the audience is an liner“, even declared a former news presenter to Challenges. As for Marc-Olivier Fogiel, former director of BFMTV, he qualified: “I think it’s good, but it needs a journal that fits it. She hasn’t found her paw yet.“.
“It was a mistake to have given him the presentation of a television news program. She has enormous talent, but that’s not where she excels“, bluntly judged a figure from the PAF who remained anonymous. Scrutinized, Raphaël Glucksmann’s partner lives under pressure. A few hiccups have fueled social networks, notably a confusion between Henri Guaino and Claude Guéant or an embarrassing exchange with Marion Cotillard on her divorce from Guillaume Canet.
“A lot of people are scrutinizing her and want her to screw up.” explained Muriel Pleynet, deputy news director of France 2. But not enough to disturb Léa Salamé and her unfailing ambition. “She likes power and influence“, concluded Pascal Praud. She has certainly not said her last word.
