Cyril Hanouna, the controversial and influential TV host, is making waves again with his unprecedented move to the M6 group, where he will host daily shows on W9 and Fun Radio starting September 2025. The announcement was made on March 3, 2025, during a live broadcast on C8; it came just days after the channel ceased operations following the withdrawal of its TNT frequency due to multiple violations and fines, primarily attributed to Hanouna’s tenure.
The news has left many within the television industry reeling, with some dubbing it "the transfer of the year, or even the decade," according to one representative from the media agency (reported by 20 Minutes). Others described Hanouna’s move as "the coup of the century," stirring immense curiosity about what this change would mean for his new shows, their format, and the accompanying team of contributors.
At M6, Hanouna is expected to fill the spot he once held at the Bolloré Group, where he produced several shows for Europe 1 and C8. Yet, the transition is not without its complications. While the financial details of this historic contract for Hanouna’s production company, H2O, are still under wraps, insiders expect them to emerge soon, especially as they will bear heavily on the market's competitive structure.
Weeks leading up to the announcement were marked by intense negotiations, which reportedly began around December 2024, culminating just hours before Hanouna’s arrival at M6 headquarters. This dramatic shift occurred after the closure of C8 due to Arcom’s decision fueled concerns about the state of programming under Hanouna's direction.
The environment at M6 is cautiously optimistic. While many are eager to see Hanouna’s influence on the network—especially the potential to attract youthful viewers with entertainment-centric programming—there are significant voices cautioning against this optimism. Several journalists and staff members of M6 and RTL convened on March 3, 2025, to express their reservations, particularly surrounding what they view as Hanouna's tendency toward disinformation and extreme political views.
Pascal Praud, known for his commentary on CNews, was particularly vocal about Hanouna's departure from Canal Plus, expressing concerns over the potential weakening of the group. "I’m not very happy you’re going to the M6 group," Praud remarked during his program, emphasizing the significance of Hanouna's influence and the challenges it might pose for journalism standards.
Against this backdrop, Hanouna has reassured his audience and critics alike. He delineated his intentions to engage less with political topics on W9 and Fun Radio, stating firmly, "Of course, it’s a chain more devoted to entertainment...we're not going to make politics on Fun Radio or W9. I will not invite politicians like Éric Ciotti or Laurent Wauquiez." This commitment to entertainment may signal a conscious shift for Hanouna, aiming to broaden his public appeal without the baggage of political partisanship.
M6’s programming outlook expects to benefit immensely from Hanouna's arrival. Industry analysts estimate the network could multiply its audience by eight during the 7 PM to 9 PM slot—an ambitious but achievable goal, considering Hanouna's past viewership metrics. His earlier success suggests he holds the key to rejuvenate viewership for M6 compared to the heavy programming of reality shows currently dominating W9’s lineup.
Despite these positive projections, skepticism remains. Observers are wary of Hanouna replicatingsome of the controversial styles from his past shows on C8, which garnered substantial criticism for ethical breaches and sensationalized content. The fear is not unfounded. Can Hanouna adapt to the fresh environment of M6, perhaps guided by broader audience dynamics and programming strategies? Or will he cling to the branding strategies established on C8?
To this point, the M6 group has maintained its commitment to allocating more time to programming aimed at family audiences and lighter entertainment fare alongside Hanouna’s shows, creating distinct boundaries between content produced for W9 and politically-charged discussions. Hanouna’s team remains optimistic about reshaping audience perceptions, shifting away from his past constraints.
While M6 prepares to welcome Hanouna and his shows, the coming months will undoubtedly see fervent discussions within the industry and among viewers. A careful evaluation of audience patterns and viewer feedback will be imperative for both Hanouna and M6 as they navigate this significant transition. Will this gamble pay dividends? Only time will tell. The stage is set for Hanouna’s grand premiere on W9, and the anticipation is palpable.