Nagui reveals France Télévisions’ red lines in terms of games and entertainment
Interesting and rather rare revelation during an investigative commission. During his stormy hearing at the National Assembly this Wednesday, April 1, presenter Nagui took advantage of a question asked by ecologist Deputy Sophie Taillé-Polian to unveil the red lines that France Télévisions sets for itself in terms of game shows.
Since the beginning of the hearings, members of the investigative commission on the neutrality, operation, and financing of public broadcasting have shown a strong interest in the entertainment mission of public service. This Wednesday, facing the presenter of “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” the opportunity was perfect.
“When you propose products that have not yet been made, do you propose different products to the public service and private channels?” the deputy asked him. Nagui’s response? “Regarding the difference between private and public, I have worked in both. For example, in a game, in a rule of the game, it is out of the question in the public service that there is a part of luck, or a part of chance, a draw, a wheel that spins and stops on a million. That will never happen,” he replied candidly, thus differentiating programs from private channels such as “Wheel of Fortune” or “Deal or No Deal” from those of the public service, like “Questions for a Champion.”
As he explained, “it’s always merit, work, knowledge, general culture, heritage” that count. “These are values that are represented.”
Some mentioned “Intervilles” or “Fort Boyard” to counter him, broadcast on France 2. But Nagui doesn’t give up and explains. “Regarding Intervilles, which is a fun game, entertainment, these are values of sports and self-improvement, it’s timed, there are races, a wall of champions, votive celebrations, but they correspond to our heritage and our values,” he explained.
Nagui recalls the trinity of France TV
“In private, where I have been, you have to get ratings. And you have to get ratings every minute so everything has to be a show, tension, twist,” Nagui admitted. He acknowledged that “these values can be maintained on the public service, but there is a demand for it in private where we totally tolerate the fact that a candidate draws an envelope at random. ‘What’s in the envelope? Here you go, congratulations, it’s over!'”
“This can never happen on the public service,” he further asserted in front of the president, his rapporteur, and all the deputies present to question him.
This direct response from the presenter, very different from the rest of this contentious hearing, was also praised by the president of the commission Jérémie Patrier-Leitus. “Your response was particularly valuable in understanding what makes the specificity of public broadcasting and what entertainment and games should be on its channels.” This was an opportunity for Nagui to conclude by recalling the “trinity of public service,” which is “entertain, educate, inform,” put it as you want. Generally, we say: “inform, cultivate, entertain,” but that’s really what is asked of us.”
