Patrick Sabatier, the former French TV host and now author, has been vocal about his views on the controversial television personality Cyril Hanouna and the fate of C8, the network where Hanouna is prominently featured. Recently, Sabatier's reflections align with the situation as C8 faces upcoming issues with potential limitations on its broadcasting schedule, set to take effect this March.
During discussions surrounding his latest autobiographical novel titled Ne le dis surtout pas à Paul, Sabatier shared insights about the challenges of media today. "C'est toujours décevant lorsqu’une chaîne de télévision est interdite de diffusion. Je ne connais pas le dossier mais il doit sûrement y avoir quelque chose de grave pour que cela arrive," he noted, expressing disappointment at the idea of any channel being forced to cease operations.
The former presenter also weighed in on Hanouna's role within the current television framework. "Cyril Hanouna a ses admirateurs et ses détracteurs. Il fait un one-man show tous les soirs. Au sens professionnel du terme, il est performant. Mais je sais qu’au fond, les gens n’aiment pas ça," Sabatier explained, recognizing the mixed responses to Hanouna's style. He perceives the challenge Hanouna faces, advocating for greater empathy as he remarked, "Je suis assez sympathique à ce sujet car je connais la difficulté de faire un spectacle.”
Sabtaiter highlighted the optimal circumstances under which he saw potential for TV programming and emphasized how he champions the ambitions of young talent like Marc-Olivier Fogiel, whom he guided early on. "Il est venu voir mes émissions sur RTL. Il avait 13 ans et il voulait absolument être mon stagiaire. Je lui ai dit: 'Tu es trop jeune. Tes parents savent que tu es là?'" These glimpses of mentorship reflect Sabatier's broader hopes for the future of television and the evolution of its stars.
Reflecting on his extensive career, Sabatier inferred the importance of supporting future talent amid shifting landscapes of television. His recognition of Hanouna's ability to draw viewers, combined with the growing scrutiny of on-air personalities, paints a complex picture of today’s media.
Sabtaiter advised aspiring figures and current hosts alike to contextualize their work within the audience's needs, advocating for authenticity and connection rather than chasing fleeting applause. His departure from television reflects this ethos, as he aims to devote his time to personal pursuits like travel, which he finds equally enriching. He asserted, "Je veux faire les choses différemment. Je ne vois pas ce que je pourrais faire de mieux. Le temps qu'il me reste, que je ne connais pas, j'aimerais le passer à faire d'autres choses."
Overall, Patrick Sabatier's perspectives offer not only insights on Cyril Hanouna and the challenges faced by C8 but also provide reflections on the essence of television as it continues to evolve.
