Concerns are mounting over the future of the beloved French talk show 'Touche pas à mon poste' (TPMP) as its broadcasting channel, C8, faces imminent closure. This move follows the French regulatory authority, ARCOM, revoking C8's authorization to air, leaving fans and employees alike anxious about what this means for the show.
Cyril Hanouna, the charismatic host of TPMP and head of the production company H2O, has been vocal about his plans. He asserted confidently, “L'Arcom voudrait qu'on arrête TPMP le 28 février. Et bien sachez que le 28 février, on arrêtera TPMP… Le temps d'un week-end, pour reprendre le 3 mars !” (ARCOM wants us to stop TPMP on February 28. Well, know this: we will stop TPMP on February 28... Only for the weekend, to resume on March 3!). He expressed determination to keep the show alive, mentioning work with major stakeholders to find solutions for TPMP's continuity.
Hanouna’s upbeat attitude, delivered with his characteristic flair, has not been entirely well-received by his colleagues. Some employees at H2O have expressed skepticism, highlighting concerns about the reality behind Hanouna's words. One anonymous employee remarked, "On sait tous qu’il ne faut pas croire tout ce que dit Cyril, qui raconte des bobards du matin au soir sur ce sujet" (We all know we shouldn’t believe everything Cyril says, as he tells tales from morning to night on this subject). This sentiment reveals the discord between the host’s public optimism and the private anxieties felt by those working behind the scenes.
Others echoed this sentiment, lamenting the lack of communication and transparency from the top. “Personne ne nous dit rien” (No one tells us anything) was another poignant comment from another H2O employee, reflecting the uncertainty and tension among staff as the potential closure looms closer.
The situation has also sparked conversations among TPMP's dedicated fan base, who have followed the show through thick and thin. Many are left wondering what the future holds for the iconic program and whether it will maintain its unique blend of entertainment and spontaneity. Hanouna, knowing how much the show means to its viewers, urged fans to cancel any vacation plans they may have scheduled for March, insisting there’s still hope for TPMP.
The future looks uncertain for C8 as it gears up for potential closure, but for the moment, Hanouna remains adamant about TPMP's survival. What this will mean for his team remains to be seen, yet the pressures of the industry and the regulatory framework present formidable challenges to the show’s ethos.
While many fans and employees hold their breath, hoping for some clarity, one thing is unmistakable: the stakes are high for TPMP. Can Hanouna navigate the turbulent waters of television regulations and keep the show afloat? Only time will tell as the clock ticks down toward February’s final days at C8.
