France Inter Announces Major Programming Shake-up for 2026 Season
France Inter is launching a sweeping grid reshuffle for the autumn 2026 season, pivoting its programming under general director Céline Pigalle ahead of the 2027 French presidential election and amid tightening public broadcasting budgets.
Morning Press Review Shocker: Marc Voinchet Replaces Nora Hamadi
The most scrutinized alteration hits the station’s morning editorial lineup. Nora Hamadi, who helmed the morning press review for a single year after succeeding Claude Askolovitch in August 2025, will not return to the slot, as reported by Télérama. Hamadi, whose contract was originally slated to run through the 2027 presidential race, learned of her departure with surprise. She will remain at the station to produce weekend morning reports and join Sunday debate panels, according to Melles750.
Stepping into the press review slot on August 24, 2026, is Marc Voinchet. The 60-year-old journalist moves to France Inter after more than a decade directing France Musique, where Stéphane Grant now takes the helm, as noted by Puremedias. Voinchet brings extensive public radio experience, having previously managed France Culture’s morning news and its own press review between 1995 and 1999.
Laurent Goumarre Exits Directorship for the 8 PM Culture Hour
After serving just one year as director of programmes following his appointment in June 2025, Laurent Goumarre is returning to the microphone. According to internal messages from Céline Pigalle cited by Puremedias, Goumarre will succeed Eva Bester at 8 PM to anchor a daily hour dedicated to culture and ideas, welcoming artists, writers, philosophers, and scientists.
Goumarre will also take over La librairie francophone on Saturdays from Lilia Hassaine.
New Comedy and Regional Formats for the 2026 Grid
The station is also adjusting its prime morning comedy spot just ahead of the 8 AM news bulletin. Comedian and author Thomas Poitevin, 46, succeeds Bertrand Chameroy, who held the daily humor slot for a single season, per Melles750. Poitevin previously contributed to the morning show with his fictional mediator character, Véro Clederman-Pilouchet.
Meanwhile, Belgian journalist Charline Vanhoenacker launches a regional conversation format titled C’est loin mais c’est beau. The show features daily Monday-to-Thursday morning dispatches and an extended Saturday version recorded in towns across France, starting with singer Aldebert in Besançon.
Political Alignment and Institutional Context
These modifications unfold under a broader financial and political microscope. The public audiovisual sector faces strict budget constraints alongside recent parliamentary inquiries, such as the commission led by deputy Charles Alloncle highlighted by Melles750. With Céline Pigalle now managing both general direction and information oversight following Adèle Van Reeth’s departure in early 2026, France Inter is positioning its autumn schedule to defend its top ratings standing as the political landscape heats up toward 2027.
