France-Inter reduces its focus on investigation

The journalists of Radio France's investigative unit weren't in the mood for celebrations this Thursday evening, June 26th, during France-Inter's end-of-season bash. Not that their show "Secrets d'info," which raised the alarm about deadly airbags, helped reveal the existence of eternal pollutants in tap water, or unearthed archives on Abbé Pierre, was doing badly: it attracts 1.6 million listeners. And, above all, it's the only one of its kind in the radio world. However, this Thursday morning, June 26th, Céline Pigalle, Radio France's news director, informed them that the show, currently broadcast weekly, would become... monthly. Any change in the schedule at this time of year is cause for concern. But when it comes to investigations, a highly sensitive subject that can generate pressure, phone calls, and threats, sensors are on high alert, especially two years before a presidential election. Why make investigations, which are a hallmark, a distinctive feature of public service, rare?

"Secrets d'info " was born in 2014, created by Matthieu Aron and Jacques Monin. The duo had headed the editorial staff of France-Inter and, following a change in the organizational chart, obtained what seemed like a consolation prize. They made something of it, so much so that the following year a real investigative unit was formed which, over the years, has multiplied revelations. Thus, in 2017, a few days after the election of Emmanuel M…

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