Jean-François Kahn, the esteemed journalist and founder of influential publications L'Événement du Jeudi and Marianne, passed away on January 22, 2025, at the age of 86. His death was announced by his family and corroborated by various media outlets, marking the end of a remarkable career.
Born as Jean Kahn-Dessertenne, he was known for his tenacity and unwavering stance against conformism. His widow, Rachel Assouline Kahn, mourned the loss of her husband, whose career spanned more than sixty years, during which he became one of France's most notable media figures.
Prime Minister François Bayrou, who expressed his condolences via social media, highlighted Kahn's creativity and courage as pivotal traits. "Jean-François Kahn était un géant et un homme rare. L’incroyable créativité qui l’animait, son audace, lui ont fait fonder de véritables journaux-époque, l’Événement du Jeudi, Marianne. Il incarnait le 'centrisme révolutionnaire', l’humanisme et la fidélité. Nous l’aimions," he said. This statement reflects the significant role Kahn played not only as a journalist but also as a supporter of political evolution.
Kahn began his journalistic career at the young age of 21, when he covered the Algerian War for Paris-Presse. He quickly established himself as a fierce advocate for transparency and journalistic integrity, often challenging the notion of objectivity. "C’est parce que d’emblée, je ne crus pas à l’objectivité journalistique que je n’ai cessé de tendre (...) contre vents et marées contraires, parfois, à l’honnêteté journalistique," Kahn wrote, illustrating his commitment to truthful reporting.
His career took him through several prestigious media outlets, including L'Express and Le Monde, where he covered major global conflicts and political scandals. Kahn was renowned for his bold editorial voice and his ambition to create balanced and probing journalism. This ambition led to the founding of L'Événement du Jeudi in 1984, followed by the launch of Marianne in 1997, both of which sought to offer unrestrained analysis free from extreme left or right biases.
Throughout his life, Kahn built strong ties with various political figures, but his criticisms, particularly of Nicolas Sarkozy, drew significant attention. He also took stances on pivotal incidents, such as his controversial remarks during the Dominique Strauss-Kahn affair, which led to public outcry and prompted him to retreat from journalism for some time. Kahn later acknowledged the insensitivity of his comments, showing his capacity for reflection and growth.
Despite any controversies, Kahn's legacy remains one of independent thought and fierce debate. He once stated, "Je me retourne et je me dis : 'Mon Dieu, j’ai vécu ça!'" demonstrating him not only as an observer of history but as someone who fully engaged with it, often prompting discussions around important societal issues.
The influence Kahn had on French media cannot be overstated; he was unafraid to voice his beliefs, advocating for democracy, secularism, and civil rights. His writings and journalism often revolved around the principles of humanism and his dedication to combating fascism, showcasing his deep commitment to progressive values.
Many journalists and politicians recognized Kahn's work as paving the way for more authentic media practices within France's complex political atmosphere. His refusal to adhere to "pensée unique" (single thought) reflected his deep-seated beliefs, advocating for freedom of expression across the board. Kahn was not defined merely by his acceptance or rejection of political ideologies; he thrived within the spectrum of dialogue.
His impact continues beyond his publications: he laid the groundwork for current journalistic standards by prioritizing reader engagement and ethical responsibility. His passionate stand against authoritarianism, combined with his advocacy for civil liberties, left behind lessons for future generations of journalists.
Jean-François Kahn will be remembered as more than just a journalist; he was a maverick who dared to challenge norms and push the boundaries of media engagement. His contributions to the conversation on what journalism should strive to be may very well inspire many who seek truth and integrity.
His passing is undoubtedly felt across the spectrum of French journalism, leaving a void for those who cherished authentic, courageous reporting.