Jean-Baptiste Boursier, new joker on TF20's 1pm news
TF1 has made its choice to replace Julien Arnaud, who has left to join "Télématin" on France 2. Jean-Baptiste Boursier, a well-known face on LCI and former presenter on BFMTV, becomes the new official joker for Gilles Bouleau at 20 p.m. Starting October 21, during the All Saints' Day holidays, Boursier will take his first steps in the chair of the most-watched news program in France.
This choice was made after several tests carried out by the TF1 editorial team. Thierry Thuillier, news director, consulted the group's executives, including CEO Rodolphe Belmer, before making his decision. "Jean-Baptiste Boursier has extensive experience in live news and knows how to conduct interviews and special broadcasts perfectly," he said, emphasizing Boursier's reassuring qualities and precision.
Jean-Baptiste Boursier, who has hosted LCI's morning show since 2023, will continue to hold this position, but his appointment to "20 heures" will lead to adjustments in the news channel's schedule. A replacement will be designated to fill his role on LCI during his periods of absence.
TF20's "1pm" news is in great shape. Since the start of the school year, it has attracted an average of 5,3 million viewers, well ahead of its competitor France 2. Thierry Thuillier is pleased with this good momentum, while highlighting the success of the "13pm" news and the weekend editions.
In addition, changes are coming to LCI. Candice Mahout, former head of the Culture department at BFMTV, and Paul Larrouturou, political columnist, are joining the morning show "Bonjour!" hosted by Bruce Toussaint. These arrivals coincide with the departure of Karima Charni, who will co-host "Star Academy" from October 12. TF1 hopes to continue on this path with editorial adjustments and new faces to consolidate its performance.