“I dropped out during the holidays”. Yann Barthès has cut everything. He hasn't turned on the TV once. Far from Paris, to the "sea, then to the mountains", is content to answer the one who scrupulously protects his privacy.
Fans, crossed in the streets, congratulated him for having held the bar during the confinement imposed in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic. "I hadn't realized how important it was to be there for the viewer," continues the 45-year-old host, who during these months hesitated to say "see you tomorrow" at the end of the show, preferring a "how long will we hold?" ". “We were in a time of crisis, with a small team, the program was shorter, without fuss, with fewer images. We were very proud to be there, ”he recalls in his dressing room, judging that this simplicity now makes it“ more natural ”on the screen.
But the hydroalcoholic gel still sits on its large round tray, with a bunch of masks underneath. "We just take it off the credits, we put it back during the commercial", specifies the one who would not see himself wearing one on the air. There is no question of being devoured by the virus: “We will be careful not to go around in circles. There is a real comeback, there must be something else, artists, politics, ”he warns, watching for the return of the public in the stands. "We will do it as soon as possible, we hope in January".
Further expand the audience for the show
Just over two months away from the November US presidential election, the host has hired a permanent New York correspondent, Laura Geisswiller, and is planning a special night live on TMC. He would like the United States Embassy to issue visas to its journalists quickly. For his fifth return to TMC, the former Canal + wants "to keep the spirit of Quotidien" and welcomes the honeymoon with the TF 1 group. He also dines once a month with the CEO, Gilles Pélisson, and Ara Aprikian, head of the group's programs.
He also intends to further expand his audience. The past season, the talk show has gained 35-49 years, but especially 30% over 50 years, and crossed the bar of 2 million viewers several times, allowing the show to achieve half of advertising revenue. by TMC. Since its launch in 2016, it has never been so watched, bending the match with Cyril Hanouna on C 8, while “C à vous” on France 5 digs its groove. “It's great for us and the team,” comments Yann Barthès soberly. He who confided in 2018 “making fun of being number 1”, deeming this place uncomfortable, soberly consents to be “accommodated”. Does he project himself one day elsewhere, he who has always wanted to do radio? " I do not have time. I'm planning on Monday! »At 6:25 pm, exceptionally one hour earlier, before returning to the usual schedule of 7:25 pm.