“Audience records prove that the public is there in the summer”

Since 1998, “this baby from France 2” how she likes to qualify, cut her teeth during twenty-two years at the presentation of the news of “Télématin”. At the same time, the presenter was the permanent replacement for Élise Lucet at “13 Heures”. Today, Sophie Le Saint devotes herself exclusively to her role as joker of France 3. From August 29, she will replace at “12/13” Émilie Tran Nguyen, on maternity leave. In the continuity of our summer series, Sophie Le Saint shares her vision, her memories and the challenges of the joker role that she takes very seriously.

LE FIGARO. – How was your summer at the JT?
Sophie LE SAINT. – Very well. The atmosphere of a newsroom is special in summer, more family-oriented. The teams are small, therefore on a human scale. The work is all the more pleasant. One could also think that during this holiday period, viewers neglect the news, but the audiences prove us the opposite. Last week, France 3 had its best scores since 2015 for the “19/20” week and weekend. Our work is rewarded. The public is at the rendezvous.

What does this audience record reveal?
France 3 offers local newspapers. Our editions give pride of place to our regions. This summer, we launched the “Holidays near you” series, which offers economical alternatives for getting away. With a low fuel budget for example. Purchasing power is the main concern of the French, our subjects try to best meet their expectations. Proximity is another of our editorial riches. On vacation, at aperitif time around 7:30 p.m., the French say to themselves that they are going to rediscover their country and its regions.

On vacation, at aperitif time around 7:30 p.m., the French say to themselves that they are going to rediscover their country and its regions.

Sophie Le Saint

Beyond the unexpected, does the news remain dense in the summer?
Totally. The editors were concerned that we were running out of weekend news during these five summer weeks. One can have a feeling of calm. That the fires are behind us, for example. Last Saturday, other fires started in Isère. The calm is only a brief illusion.

What is your organization for presenting four editions over the weekend?
Our meetings start on Wednesdays, although on Mondays and Tuesdays, which are days off, everyone keeps an eye on the national and regional press. On Thursday, we have a preparatory conference, during which we look at the subjects we have. Those already shot, among whom we do, so to speak, our market according to the news. Then, on Thursday afternoon, the department heads propose subjects and reports to be produced. By Friday our driver is established. And we can get to the heart of the matter.

“I’m not sure that the intense pace of a news channel suits me. »

Sophie Le Saint

Is there a difference between the role of joker and starter?
I make no difference. I’ve been in charge for 22 years and at the same time joker of Élise Lucet at the “13 Hours” of France 2. I feel the same responsibility. But let’s not forget that presenting a news is a team work. Many people are by my side. From our reporters in the field to the editors.

What memories do you have of your first time in this position?
My first replacement was that ofElise Lucet at 1 p.m. It happened so long ago that I don’t remember exactly… I do, however, have a very clear memory of a weekend when I replaced at short notice Laurent Delahousse. The “20 Hours” is the high mass, I really felt enormous pressure on my shoulders. Five minutes before this live, William Leymergie called me to tell me “Here, I’m settled, I’m watching you… It’s exactly the same as for the news of ” Télématin,’ so everything is fine!”. And everything went well. I will never forget this moment. I am grateful to have been entrusted with great editions such as this.

Read alsoWilliam Leymergie, all-terrain

Can a joker add a personal touch to his newscasts?
Everyone has their own personality and shows it on the air, you can’t cheat. In life, I am a very empathetic person and this must be felt in my launches and my way of being on screen. They tell me so, by the way. Just yesterday, on the train, a gentleman told me that he really appreciated my smile and my kindness. This is very cute.

Do you exchange with Catherine Matausch, holder that you replace?
This summer, not at all! I have regularly replaced Catherine for a year and a half now. With the editorial team, we really wanted her to take full advantage of her vacation. In the beginning, we exchanged a lot. I am a pure baby from France 2, after 22 years on “Télématin” and the replacements of Élise Lucet at “13 Heures”, I needed her advice. For me, she is the pro of the pros on France 3. Now, I let her rest.

Read alsoFrance 3: national news disappear

Do you have other projects after this summer?
I leave the “2/5 p.m.” section of France Info. The management asked me to provide replacements on France 3, whether during the week or at the weekend. I will be back on the air on August 29 to replace Emilie Tran Nguyen on “12/13”, still on maternity leave. It is true that after three years, I am not sure that the intense rhythm of a news channel suits me. I learned a lot but the pace is difficult. Next season, I will therefore focus 100% on my role as joker of the Three. At the same time, I have lots of ideas. You know, initially, I wanted to be a film critic. I love culture and, even if there are fewer and fewer dedicated shows, it’s something I haven’t done yet! So why not ? That would be wonderful ! One thing is certain, I will not move from public service, I am very attached to it.