Cyril Hanouna, the controversial and charismatic host of the popular television show "Touche Pas à Mon Poste" (TPMP), is set to close the chapter on his time with C8 this Thursday, February 27, during the show’s final broadcast. This closure follows the announcement from Arcom, the French audiovisual regulator, stating the channel would cease operations due to accumulated fines and regulatory violations.
"The decision is made," Hanouna stated Wednesday morning on CNews, creating anticipation among his fans. C8, alongside NRJ12, will be taken off the air as of midnight on February 28 due to the non-renewal of their broadcasting frequencies, primarily attributed to the channel’s repeated failures to comply with regulations, resulting in fines totaling €7.6 million. A significant portion of this sum, €3.5 million, stemmed from insults directed at politician Louis Boyard during TPMP back in November 2022.
Hanouna, known colloquially as “Baba,” has been repeatedly fined for various controversies over the years, including homophobic skits and inappropriate behavior broadcasted on his show. He faces continued scrutiny, with some alleging his content has shifted toward more extreme political views. Despite this, TPMP claimed to capture roughly "two and a half million" viewers each day, positioning it as France’s leading talk show.
This past Thursday’s final episode of TPMP was markedly celebratory, featuring tributes and appearances from various celebrities, including Patrick Sébastien and Nabilla Benattia. The show lasted nearly six hours, filled with nostalgia for the program’s history since its inception in 2010. Just before midnight, the moment of truth arrived when Hanouna revealed his future plans.
He announced his move to the M6 group, where he will be launching new programs, including daily shows on W9 and engaging content on Fun Radio. This marked Hanouna’s exit from the Canal+ group, owned by billionaire Vincent Bolloré, who he has vocally supported over the years.
"My sole objective is clear; it is to continue," Hanouna said, reassuring fans about his next steps. While he will also take to the airwaves on Europe 1, his future projects are said to be decidedly more entertainment-focused compared to his politically charged previous formats. Despite past tensions, he has also reached out to former detractors within M6, such as Karine Le Marchand, who expressed her disapproval of his presence at the network but later accepted his apologies and expressed willingness to work alongside him.
Another possible avenue for Hanouna is CStar, another channel under Canal+. Speculation surrounds Hanouna's criteria for his next position, with the emphasis on maintaining existing team jobs and sliding away from the political confrontations encapsulated by TPMP. "We are not working on societal or political projects; it is purely entertainment," stated Régis Ravanas, the director of audio activities at M6.
With rumors swirling, Hanouna has left his fans guessing about his future, asserting during the past weeks, "I have received several job offers from different networks," but maintaining suspense about his eventual decision until the final broadcast. He has also hinted at personal ambitions beyond television, jokingly stating future possibilities could involve establishing his own channel or exploring political avenues, particularly with the approaching 2027 presidential elections.
While some supporters rally behind Hanouna, expressing their disappointment at the closure of C8, accusations of censorship linger, predominantly from conservative and extreme-right political factions. Politicians like Marine Le Pen and Éric Ciotti have decried the Arcom’s decision as politically motivated, stating it is representative of left-leaning ideologies stifling free expression.
Reflecting on the impending closure, Hanouna remarked, "The French will surely recall the closure of C8 come 2027." This reflects his calculated approach, potentially utilizing the closure to galvanize public sentiment as he eye-foots political aspirations. Despite the upheaval, he remains optimistic, stating to his followers, "We will follow you on another channel!" This promise resonates with fans who have remained loyal throughout his transition from C8 to wherever he lands next.
Following the cessation of regular programming on C8, Hanouna assured his fans of continued engagement through online platforms, indicating TPMP will live on through YouTube and Dailymotion, ensuring his brand remains intact. This shift may not only preserve his viewer base but expand it, tapping new audiences across digital landscapes.
Despite the backlash and controversy surrounding his career, Hanouna continues to draw comparisons to prominent media figures like Joe Rogan due to his significant political engagement and unfiltered commentary. The shift from C8 signifies more than just his departure; it marks the end of an era and the potential rise of Hanouna’s media empire.
For now, as he embarks on this next phase, Hanouna has left both supporters and detractors with one message: he is not going anywhere. "They wanted to eliminate me... they'll see me even more, " he declared, promising to remain active and visible, no matter where the tide of television takes him next.