Ali Baddou (weekly C): "First of all, we want to offer an alternative to the culture of conflict."

To whom do we owe the extension of C l’hebdo? To you, to the channel, or to the viewers?

Ali Baddou: It came from almost everyone. While we were launching a magazine that covered the week’s news, we were disappointed that we didn’t have enough discussion space on set to discuss it further. We also wanted to add some lightness and humor, and since columnist Pierre-Emmanuel Barré agreed to join the adventure, I thought it was a great opportunity to extend the show. We also saw with Cà vous that after 8:30 p.m. there are audiences to conquer, so we’re following the action and are really happy to have that extra half hour each week.

Therefore, discussions will have a wider place in the program. Do you think it’s not enough on TV?

I see that our time lacks space for democratic debate. There are many sets where Discord professionals meet. On the other hand, it is quite rare to pit two viewpoints on the same subject by trying to push the audience and those on set out of their comfort zone, and I wanted us to give the device a try. The first week we focused on the theme of retreat, and we will also do it with more social or more unexpected themes. Above all, we want to offer an alternative to the culture of conflict and the sterilization of public debate in order to rediscover the art of constructive discussion. That’s why it’s fun to work on France 5 too, we can resist at all costs the buzz that dominates the age of time.

The viewership is good (an average of 892,000 viewers since September). Are you sensitive?

This is the best prize. Motivating, even reassuring, about the state of society. It means that we are not destined for the worst and it is possible to appeal to the intelligence of the audience and they find themselves there.

Pierre-Emmanuel Barré joined the team. Did you invite him?

Yes, but it wasn’t hard to convince. (Laughs) We’ve known each other since 2013, when we worked at La Nouvelle Édition at Canal+. I’m a big fan of his work. The Containment Journal she kept on Instagram during the Covid crisis was a masterpiece for me. I am happy that he is with us.

What has this program contributed to you since 2017?

It responds to a few things that move me, namely curiosity and the desire to convey, to understand the crazy times we’re going through and to get people to understand.

Alongside your journalism job, you teach political philosophy at Sciences-Po Paris. It is said that when he was a student, President Emmanuel Macron…

This is totally true! It was 1999, I was starting to teach, and she was wondering if she should prepare for the ÉNA entrance exam or take up collecting in philosophy.

Did you help him decide?

No, he did not consult me, otherwise I would have advised him to pass the philosophy corpus! (laughs)

INTERVIEW WITH ADELINE QUITTOT