CNews Editorialists Devers and Melun to Launch debate Show on Franceinfo
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Paris, France – August 20, 2025 – Political commentators Nathan Devers and Paul Melun are transitioning from CNews to Franceinfo, where they will host a new debate program titled The Pros and Cons, set to premiere on August 29th. The move signals a shift for the two editorialists, known for their appearances on the CNews program The Time of Pros, to public service broadcasting.
A New Chapter for Two Rising Voices
Devers, 27, and Melun, 30, announced their departure from CNews and arrival at franceinfo in an interview with Le Parisien on Wednesday. Their new program will air on TNT channel 16 from Friday to Sunday evenings between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., offering a platform for robust discussion on current events. Journalist Claire-Elisabeth Beaufort of France Télévisions will also contribute to the program.
Devers, described as a philosopher aligned with Bernard-Henri Lévy, articulated their mission as fostering “the beatiful and noble idea of public debate which is the foundation of a democracy and French society.” He emphasized a desire to create a space for “different voices [to build] a fertile dialog.”
Did You Know? Franceinfo is part of France Télévisions, a public service broadcaster funded by television license fees and public funding, ensuring its independence from commercial pressures.
From Pascal praud to Public Service
The pair previously gained prominence as commentators on The Time of Pros,hosted by Pascal Praud on CNews,a channel owned by Vincent Bolloré. Their move to Franceinfo represents a notable change, given CNews’s reputation for a particular editorial line. They aim to establish a program characterized by reasoned discussion, diverging from the often-polarized debates associated with their former network.
The program’s format will feature a discussion of weekly news events, followed by a segment described as “a crossroads where we will decipher the news through the gaze of artists, historians, philosophers, diplomats or writers.” This segment will prioritize conversation and exchange of ideas over traditional interviews.
A Commitment to Nuance and Debate
Devers and Melun are keen to distance themselves from the combative style of debate sometimes seen on CNews. They assert that “the debate is not a fight,” and intend to maintain a focus on facts and information rather than personal opinions.they also plan to align their program with Franceinfo’s “multithematic” approach, covering a broad range of topics.
Melun, who identifies as a “left sovereignist, left-wing Gaullist,” or “vintage socialist,” added, “We may seem radical on certain positions but we are looking above all for the truth, even if it supposes to evolve, to think and to question ourselves live.” This commitment to intellectual honesty is presented as a key differentiator from their previous work at CNews, which has faced scrutiny from the French broadcasting regulator, Arcom, for issues including misinformation and biased reporting regarding its editorial management.
Pro Tip: Understanding the French media landscape is crucial. Public service channels like Franceinfo play a vital role in providing diverse perspectives and independent journalism.
The decision to move from CNews to Franceinfo, they explained, stemmed from a desire “to think things differently” and embark on a “project” that represents a clear departure from their previous work.
| key Figure | Role | previous Affiliation | New Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nathan Devers | Political Commentator | CNews | Franceinfo |
| Paul Melun | Political Commentator | CNews | Franceinfo |
| Claire-Elisabeth Beaufort | Journalist | France Télévisions | Franceinfo (collaborator) |
Will Devers and Melun successfully navigate the transition from a commercially-driven news channel to the more nuanced environment of public service broadcasting? And can they convince viewers accustomed to Franceinfo’s style to embrace their perspective?
The shift of Devers and Melun highlights a broader trend in French media: the increasing fluidity between news channels and the evolving role of public service broadcasting in a rapidly changing information landscape. the concentration of media ownership in France, especially by groups like Vincent Bolloré’s, has raised concerns about editorial independence and the diversity of viewpoints. This move could be seen as a counter-balance, bringing alternative voices to a publicly funded platform. The success of The Pros and Cons will likely depend on its ability to attract a broad audience while maintaining a commitment to rigorous debate and factual accuracy.
frequently Asked Questions
- who are Nathan Devers and Paul Melun? They are political commentators previously known for their work on CNews’s The Time of Pros.
- What is ‘The Pros and Cons’? It is a new debate program launching on Franceinfo, hosted by Nathan Devers and Paul Melun.
- When dose the program premiere? The Pros and Cons will premiere on Franceinfo on August 29th, 2025.
- What is the format of the show? The program will feature discussions of current events and in-depth conversations with guests from various fields.
- Why did Devers and Melun leave CNews? They stated a desire to “think things differently” and pursue a new project.
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