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Arts & Culture
25 March 2025

Cyril Hanouna Prepares For Transition To M6 Amid Controversy

As his popular show ends, Hanouna faces scrutiny and new rules at M6 while reminiscing about his past rapport with Macron.

Cyril Hanouna's career is taking a significant turn as he prepares to transition from C8 to the M6 group. As the host of the popular television show Touche Pas à Mon Poste (TPMP), Hanouna is expected to face strict guidelines from M6 while aiming to maintain his unique style of entertainment.

After officially ending the broadcast of TPMP on March 26, 2025, Hanouna has announced the conclusion of the digital edition of the show as well. This decision has left fans shocked, particularly as the program had garnered a substantial audience, averaging over one million viewers per night. According to Hanouna, his latest broadcasts were performing well, yet he revealed that the decision to end TPMP digitally was largely influenced by financial considerations, with M6 possibly applying pressure to mitigate any potential controversy.

In his Monday show on March 24, Hanouna addressed his team, reassuring them amidst growing concerns about their future as they transition to M6. He asserted, “Sachez que l’on ne parle pas du tout de cela. C’est clair. Les chroniqueurs de toute façon c’est moi qui décide, personne d’autre,” indicating firmly that the choice of his collaborators is his prerogative.

His move to the M6 group, effective September 2025, includes hosting an afternoon show on Fun Radio and a weekday talk show on W9. However, this transition comes with clear expectations from M6’s management, which have expressed insistence on a “non-controversial” approach to entertainment. This aligns with a broad strategy the network is adopting under the new leadership.

Interestingly, the relationship between M6 and Hanouna has been a topic of scrutiny. Following his abrupt end to TPMP, speculation has arisen regarding his strained rapport with M6, especially after he criticized fellow Fun Radio host Bruno Guillon. This public reprimand reportedly raised alarms within M6's management, leading them to impose stricter content regulations on Hanouna until his official start date with the network.

The existential question surrounding Hanouna’s career trajectory is whether he can adapt to this new framework while maintaining the essence of his brand. Observers note that his style historically thrives on engaging audiences through controversy—an element that M6 is keen to avoid. While Hanouna remains a household name in France, transitioning to the structured environment of M6 might require significant adjustments.

Hanouna's historical relationship with Emmanuel Macron has also drawn public interest. Recently, he revealed a past exchange with the President of the Republic that exemplifies a previously cordial relationship. In a 2015 SMS transaction, Macron, then the Minister of Finance, reached out to Hanouna for a conversation, expressing admiration for his work on TV. The anecdote highlights a time when the two had a friendly rapport, which has since soured due to Hanouna’s outspoken nature and contentious comments about political affairs.

In a public speculatory exchange, Hanouna recently claimed that Macron could be behind the decision-making forces within the Arcom, hinting at a presidential influence in media regulation. “Quand il (the head of Arcom) commande une baguette bien cuite, il est déjà tremblant. Il ne va pas dire tout seul, on va arrêter C8. Bien sûr que oui, c’est Emmanuel Macron,” he stated on CNews, stirring further discussion on the intertwining of politics and media.

As the clock ticks down to Hanouna's official debut in the M6 group, the final days of Touche Pas à Mon Poste present both a reflection on his past success and a moment of uncertainty about his future. While being scrutinized for staying clear of political commentary, he must navigate a new territory that demands adaptability, while also trying not to alienate a fan base accustomed to his particular humor and critique.

With fans eagerly anticipating what the future holds for both Hanouna and M6, the next developments in his career will certainly shape not only his path but also the wider landscape of French television.