This week, on the occasion of the Agricultural Show,
"Weather à la carte"
has settled as close as possible to the actors who make their subjects over the seasons.
The magazine dedicated to the impact of the weather on our regions has been a highlight of France 3 for eleven years.
A popularity inseparable from that of the duo.
On the one hand,
Laurent Romejko
presents a weather report of about 9 minutes, a characteristic that is found nowhere else on the program schedule.
On the other hand,
Marine Vignes
focuses on the magazine part.
A few minutes from live, a crowd abounds along the decorative haystacks of the relocated set.
Laurent Romejko and Marine Vignes are constantly called upon by visitors, usually loyal viewers, for autographs and photos.
“I couldn't miss seeing them, I watch the show every day!
I even warned my friends”
, tells us Michel, who came from Charente-Maritime.
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If this complementary pair is so popular, it's probably because he's not cheating.
Between each break, the organizers go out to meet the farmers, never missing an opportunity to taste charcuterie, cheeses and small glasses of wine.
An epicurean facet not devoid of seriousness that delights those who meet and watch them.
Interview.
LE FIGARO. - Why did you relocate “A la carte weather” to the Agricultural Show?
Laurent ROMEJKO.
-
The interest of being here is the pleasure of finding ourselves closer to the people who are at the heart of our reports all year round.
If there are many technical drawbacks, “Weather à la carte” must also bring the show to life for our viewers who did not have the chance to come.
Marine VIGNES.
-
We break our routine.
Being among stalls and farmers gives meaning to the program.
The five programs relocated to the Salon de l'agriculture are more grounded in reality.
At our level, we try to be the mirror of this event.
What does a typical day at the Agricultural Show look like?
MV -
We have a lot more rehearsals than normal.
Since the management is common to all France Télévisions programs, a typical day is not really one.
The morning meeting is never the same.
After our tests, we organize ourselves according to the feedback from the viewers and then I'm free as the air until fifteen minutes before the live.
So I take the opportunity to walk, eat, drink, taste everything!
(laughs).
“After eleven years, we have an old couple side”
Marine Vignes about her duet with Laurent Romejko
Does the magazine's formula change with this relocation? MV -
This program has a real regional connotation which takes on its full meaning with this show.
We work hand in hand to propose an editorial line with the people we meet.
LR -
“Météo à la carte” is a local program, relocation encourages wanderings in the living room.
We also need to adapt our subjects to highlight this very complicated sector.
This rather positive magazine should not become anxiety-provoking.
At the heart of this great celebration of the agricultural community, I hear at each stand major concerns such as the climate issue, water or energy resources, the cost of production.
You have to talk about it, slip in the information without spoiling the atmosphere.
How do you echo these issues?
MV -
By posting topics that offer solutions or alternatives.
It may seem like a small drop in the ocean, but we make it a point of honor to be the spokespersons for these new farmers and their innovations.
LR -
Spreading the message of climate change has several objectives.
We must try to limit it, to adapt to the new conditions and to protect ourselves from it.
These parameters, the farmers have integrated them well.
They are pioneers and tackle the problem head-on in order to adapt.
Our role is to highlight these proactive players who are moving in the right direction.
What feedback do you receive from the public around the set?
MV -
We have very good feedback.
During broadcasts of reports, visitors question us on set.
They want to take pictures, tell us that they watch us every day.
Yesterday a lady confided to me that she had lost her husband four months ago and that our show was her ray of sunshine.
When you hear that, you know why you do this job.
Tell us about your duo…
MV-
After eleven years, we have an old couple side with moments when we want to hit each other and others when we love each other!
(laughs).
LR -
Without there being any rules, there is real complementarity and it works on the air.
I must have a more serious side and Marine surely sadder.
Our role was quickly defined from the beginning and we share the task equitably.
MV -
For my part, I focus on the magazine part and work on the launches to tell the stories as well as possible.
I don't know anything about weather.
It's been eleven years since I watched Laurent present the weather, if one day he wasn't there, I wouldn't be able to replace him.
LR -
After eleven years, she still admires me!
(laughs)
What story stood out to you this week?
LR-
I am thinking of the portrait of this young couple of farmers.
They are 25 and 27 years old and are raising Ovalie, the face of the Agricultural Show this year.
It's great to see motivated young people with a vision where they dare into the future.
It's not very encouraging as a job: working 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, with around 800 euros in income in the best case scenario.
It's not easy to embrace this career, congratulations to them!
MV-
A series of daring subjects like Miss and Mister France Agricole.
Young people make career choices that they know are complicated but work in different ways.
Let's say it's great to see protagonists of this ancestral sector with an ultramodern vision.
It dusts off the image of agriculture and I like these subjects with pretty examples.
If you could describe “A la carte weather” in a few words…
MV-
Proximity, being closer to people, talking about their regions.
Education by showing examples, solutions but also daily information starting with the weather.
Then I add cheerfulness because that's our strong point: smiling and getting out of the classic news, which is always a bit annoying.
LR-
Proximity also, personalities and seasonality.
We really want to spread a message of respect for the seasons, in consumption and proximity to territories.
We try to explain to people that it is better to get supplies within a radius of 100 kilometres.
Finally, for the past few seasons, we have made a point of honor to the economic criterion.
The viewer's wallet is not to be neglected.
Read alsoLaurent Romejko: "Water is a major concern for the centuries to come"
Are you aware of the timeless nature of your show?
MV -
Not at all!
It was a challenge because we arrived on a damaged box in counter-programming of the two television news of TF1 and France 2. Nobody projected on 4, 5 and now 11 years.
Every year we are gaining in quality and viewers.
How long are we going to last like this?
I don't know but it's great.
LR-
I remember we made fun of our idea!
However, the first time I was told about this "magazine focused on weather, environment and region", I was confident.
These topics are very unifying.
Today I notice that "Weather à la carte" is in constant progress.
We gather on average a million viewers, I imagine that we have found the right formula and the right people.