Nathalie Saint-Cricq takes on the leadership role at France Télévisions, signaling a notable shift in the French media landscape as she moves from coordinator to national editorial director following the recent reshuffle at the public audiovisual group.
On March 18, 2025, Nathalie Saint-Cricq was officially appointed as the director of the national editorial team at France Télévisions, following a turbulent period that saw her predecessor, Laurent Delpech, removed from his position after internal controversies. Saint-Cricq, who previously served as the coordinator responsible for editorial developments since October 2022, has become a familiar face in French television, recognized for her incisive political commentary and unwavering journalistic rigor.
This change comes at a pivotal moment for France Télévisions, particularly for its information division, as the network gears up for several important transitions, including relocating the Franceinfo channel from channel 27 to channel 16 on June 6, 2025. This move is meant to increase visibility and audience outreach in an era of fierce competition among news providers.
Speaking on this significant development, a source close to the situation stated, “It’s a recognition of her expertise and commitment.” This new appointment is not merely a title; it reflects a broader strategy aimed at enhancing the dominance of Franceinfo in the ever-evolving media landscape.
In her new role, Saint-Cricq will work alongside Muriel Pleynet, who has been appointed as deputy director of information and is also set to lead Franceinfo. Pleynet replaces Delpech, who was under scrutiny after a vote of no confidence from the editorial team following two critical incidents broadcasted on air—one involving a politically charged debate and another an unfortunate framing of a sensitive news piece regarding Gaza.
The internal reaction to these appointments has been mixed. Many within France Télévisions feel apprehensive about these changes, fearing they may signal further consolidation of power among long-standing members of the organization. Georges Pinol, a union representative for journalists, lamented, “We are outraged by this decision; especially since we were not warned. It’s not a good sign for either Franceinfo or the national editorial team.”
Critics within the organization have highlighted Saint-Cricq’s controversial history, which they feel typifies the ongoing divisions between the staff from the former France 2 and France 3 channels. An anonymous journalist expressed frustration at the lack of fresh perspectives in these appointments, stating, “This nomination is one of a clan that sticks together and distributes positions in a closed circuit. It’s hard to see any renewal or momentum.”
Despite the internal turmoil, the vision for Franceinfo is optimistic. The channel aims to reinforce its editorial stance and deliver comprehensive coverage across key platforms, including television and digital spaces. By migrating to channel 16, the network anticipates not just a numeric change but a substantial increase in its audience share. In 2024, Franceinfo's average audience share was a mere 0.8%, highlighting a pressing need for revitalization.
The upcoming transition on June 6 is crucial, as it represents a major strategic pivot for Franceinfo. “It’s essential to develop a strong editorial line during this transformational phase,” stated an internal memo. This restructuring is designed to align content and identity across multimedia platforms in a cohesive manner, ensuring that the network maximizes its brand visibility and reach during this crucial period.
Saint-Cricq’s ascension is not just a personal milestone but exemplifies the larger dynamics at play in today’s media environment. Known for her straightforward approach, she has become a significant voice in political journalism, consistently recognized for her analytical prowess. In a candid moment in 2023, she disclosed that her salary exceeded double the median wage in France—over €4,600 monthly—highlighting her standing and influence in the field.
As France Télévisions grapples with the challenges presented by digital platforms and evolving viewer habits, the imperative is to maintain high editorial standards while adapting to new audiences. Saint-Cricq, along with Pleynet, faces a daunting task ahead. They must attract and retain a volatile audience while simultaneously competing with the likes of streaming giants and social media channels.
Recent events have sparked reflection within the French media, as incidents of editorial missteps have prompted calls for stronger quality control and responsiveness. Following the Gaza incident and associated remarks made by high-profile figures, the organization has taken measures to scrutinize its editorial decisions closely, recognizing the delicate balance between framing and reportage.
The ongoing reshuffle at the top reflects a broader quest for renewal within France Télévisions, with leaders articulating a vision for stability amidst the chaos of a rapidly changing environment. With impactful figures like Saint-Cricq at the helm, there is potential for reanimation within public broadcasting.
We stand at a crossroads for public media; rebuilding trust and credibility becomes a priority as the lines between traditional and new media continue to blur. How will Franceinfo navigate the future? The coming months will reveal much about the fate of this vital public information service amidst unprecedented challenges and opportunities.
