Zone Interdite Makes history: journalist with Down Syndrome Takes the Helm
Paris, France – In a groundbreaking moment for French television, Zone Interdite host Ophélie Meunier temporarily stepped aside this week to make way for Jeanne, a 27-year-old journalist with Down syndrome. The special segment, airing on M6, features Jeanne providing voice-over narration for a portrait dedicated to her life and career, marking a significant step towards greater inclusivity in media.
The episode of Zone Interdite focuses on the lives of French individuals with Down syndrome, exploring their challenges and triumphs in areas like work, love, and achieving autonomy.M6 highlighted in a press release that the program follows Éléonore,Dylan,Jeanne,Julie,and Laurent as they navigate daily life and defy preconceived notions.
Jeanne’s journey to becoming a journalist was initially discouraged by a psychologist, but she persevered, ultimately launching her own show on a radio station focused on personal development and actively campaigning against prejudice.
“It’s a great moment in my professional life which turns into a human memory. Which I will remember,” Meunier told Tele-Leisure. Jeanne herself expressed her satisfaction, stating, “I’m glad I did it.”
Zone Interdite, launched in 1993, has become a cornerstone program for M6, previously presented by figures like Lapix, Mélissa Theuria, and Wendy Bouchard. The show airs alongside Capital magazine and will return with a new issue on November 23, 2025, at 9:05 p.m. on M6.
