On January 31, 2025, Régis Ravanas, the director of audio activities at the M6 Group, announced on BFM Business the possibility of television host Cyril Hanouna transferring from C8, where he hosts the popular show "Touche pas à mon poste!", to join radio station Fun Radio and television network W9, both parts of the M6 Group. "There are advanced discussions with Cyril Hanouna, and effectively, he could join Fun Radio next season if we conclude the agreement," said Ravanas, pointing to the significant evolution in Hanouna's career path.
This news follows the decision from Arcom (the French audiovisual regulator), which announced the cessation of broadcasts for C8 on February 28, 2025, as they rejected the renewal of the network's license to exploit its terrestrial frequency. This decision has created ripples throughout the French media, leading to considerable speculation about Hanouna's future, as he is known for his controversial style and unique approach to entertainment.
Hanouna's potential move has sparked significant internal resistance within the M6 Group, particularly among journalists from M6 and RTL. A vast majority of these journalists publicly expressed their concerns, stating, "The editorial departments fear Hanouna's arrival will have negative consequences on their work and the public's perception of it." This sentiment was echoed by prominent M6 presenter Karine Le Marchand, who declared, "If he joins, I’m leaving. I hope another group will have the kindness to host me." Her strong words signify the unease surrounding Hanouna's controversial reputation and approach, which many believe could clash with the more respected image of M6.
Ravanas sought to clarify these concerns during the broadcast, assuring colleagues, "We wanted collaborators to understand the state of mind surrounding this potential partnership. We emphasized it was for entertainment purposes, not societal or political projects. This is something very different from what Cyril does today on his channels." This statement intends to allay fears about potential shifts to M6's editorial line, reassuring staff members and the audience.
Interestingly, Hanouna has history with Fun Radio, having begun his career there back in 2002 alongside other notable entertainers. This connection could lend credibility to his potential new role. Meanwhile, Maxime Saada, president of Canal+, has publicly stated they are still discussing Hanouna's future with their group, indicating they want to keep him within the Canal+ family. He expressed, "It is possible he may join another audiovisual group, but discussions are still underway." This shows M6 isn't the only group interested in this high-profile figure.
Hanouna's track record, especially recent scrutiny from Arcom concerning his treatment of political media, complicates his move. Critics have claimed he exhibits bias, particularly favoring extremist viewpoints during his broadcasting. This scrutiny has affected his standing within the media and may influence how audiences perceive his transition to M6.
Despite the uncertainty, discussions between M6 Group and Hanouna indicate major shifts are happening within the French media. The possibility of Hanouna leading new programming on Fun Radio and W9 could change the dynamics of these outlets significantly. Observers now wonder whether this move could rejuvenate interest or create backlash against M6's already established reputation. The outcome remains to be seen.
While the potential transition of Cyril Hanouna to the M6 Group, especially to Fun Radio and W9, could be seen as beneficial for both parties, the internal resistance and public scrutiny may serve as significant hurdles to actualizing this agreement. The almost polarizing media figure's influence and management of his unique style of entertainment will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding this potential career move. For now, the media awaits confirmation of Hanouna's next steps amid this swirling controversy.