After TPMP, it is the turn of the show Quotidien to be at the center of a new controversy. A few months after accusations of racism, Yann Barthès' show is at the heart of a new investigation. The subject of this one? Bad working conditions, moral harassment, etc…
Quotidien in turmoil
Since 2016, journalist and presenter Yann Barthès has hosted the show Quotidien on TMC. Produced by Laurent Bon,This show deciphers political, celebrity, cultural and international news every evening of the week. The satirical and ironic tone of the show has allowed Yann Barthès to create a solid base of regular viewers. The show attracts a young and urban audience, often interested in current events, but who appreciate a lighter and more critical approach. Dailyhas become one of the most popular shows in France, and the direct competitor of Touche pas à mon poste by Cyril Hanouna.
Recently, the image of Quotidien was tarnished following an investigation published in Télérama. This Monday, September 23, an article appeared in the newspaper Télérama, denouncing the poor working conditions in the editorial office of Quotidien.
Intimidation, harassment, suffering at work
In this article, several employees of Quotidien denounce a toxic work environment. The testimonies are numerous and highlight:
Suffering at work, burnout, poor management, accusations of harassment, intimidation, harsh, gratuitous, public and incessant criticism.
The identity of these employees has not been revealed by Télérama. But the testimonies seem to be legion, like that of this former executive at Quotidien:
It’s do or die. It’s a crazy company with crazy resources… but it can also very easily crush you. I would go to work with a knot in my stomach until the day when I told myself that it was no longer possible.
A former graphic designer also sounded the alarm by claiming to have been fired after participating in a movement supporting intermittent workers in the entertainment industry who were demanding a 20% increase in salaries. Still according to Télérama, four employees have reportedly filed a complaint with the labor tribunal. Éric and Quentin, the show's famous duo, who became comedians and worked at Quotidien until 2019, are reportedly among the four former employees who have filed a complaint against the show's management with the labor tribunal.
Quotidien defends itself
Télérama wanted to contact the management of Quotidien to respond to these allegations. Laurent Bon, the daily's long-standing producer, stated that:
Well-being at work is a subject taken very seriously by everyone. Running such a show is a difficult job that not everyone is necessarily able to do. Professional life is like that. We are neither a sect nor a family. We respect the law and have no convictions to date.
A statement that should support his reputation as “king” within the editorial staff of Quotidien. An image that Yann Barthèsheld to; go down:
The image of the king alone in his tower is a fantasy.
Laurent Bon also wanted to defend himself on this issue on Télérama:
In my position, I can't be accessible to everyone, all the time. There are department heads, editors-in-chief who are there to make the connection and send me the information and the problems.
A new controversy that comes three months after accusations of racism against Quotidien. Last June, the TMC show was in fact accused by the choristers of Pierre Garnier, winner of Star Academy, racism, cultural preference and poor working and reception conditions. Apparently for reasons of skin color.
Unexpected support
Surprisingly, Yann Barthès received the support of another unexpected host. Indeed, Cyril Hanouna, the presenter of Touche pas à mon poste, gave his support to his direct competitor (the two men share the same time slot). According to Le HuffPost, Cyril Hanouna declared that:
People will be surprised that I say this, but I do not wish for the death of Quotidien. This investigation by Télérama, there is nothing in it. It is based on anonymous statements.
The HuffPost specifies however that this statement by Hanouna would be interested, because the presenter of Touche pas à mon poste was also the target of the magazine Complément d’enquête, in which we discovered the behind the scenes of the flagship show of C8. With in particular damning testimonies of employees pointing the finger at regular harassment.
In any case, this is the second controversy to tarnish the image of Quotidien in the space of 6 months.