It's D -Day for RMC and its flagship program. This Monday, April 7, marks the highly anticipated launch of the TV channel “After Foot”, available 24 hours a day and promising the entire universe of the show (live, thematic, free antenna programs, etc.). An ambitious project supposed to crown almost 20 years with radio success. However, this launch takes place in an extremely tense, even anxiety -provoking climate. The After has been in full turns since a controversial program broadcast last Thursday, which caused an uproar on social networks, led to boycott calls and even the withdrawal of one of its emblematic columnists. Enough to seriously fear a failed start, even a “big flop”, for this new channel.
The scandal that set fire to the powder
Everything changed last Thursday. Taking advantage of an evening without a European cup, the program hosted that evening by Nicolas Jamain, with Kevin Diaz and especially Daniel Riolo, chose to approach the sensitive theme of “communitarian and Islamist drifts in sport”. To debate it, Macronist MP Caroline Yadan, co-reporter of a parliamentary mission on the subject with the elected representative Julien Odoul, was invited. His remarks, judged “Islamophobic” by many listeners and observers, and the absence of a real opponent on the set, immediately sparked a wave of massive indignation on social networks, with the hashtag #boycottafterfoot at the head of the gondola.
Acharchour slams the door, Brisbois apologizes, Riolo silent?
The consequences were not long in coming. Sunday, Walid Achechour, a rising figure of the show and much appreciated by the listeners, announced “to step back”, saying to itself “hit” by the angle of the debate based on an “approximate report” and the speakers using “degrading and Islamophobic” remarks. The same evening, the historic presenter Gilbert Brisbois apologized in the name of the program:
“If we have shocked a whole community, it is because we have missed this evening and I am sincerely sorry. »» He recognized that the debate had taken place
“Even between us” And stretched out at Achechour. However, Daniel Riolo, often perceived as the incarnation of an increasingly political and cleavage editorial line of the program (and which seemed in agreement with C. Yadan), did not seem to be associated publicly with these apologies, still distinguishing criticism.
A high tension launch: the announced flop?
It is therefore in this deleterious context that the After Foot TV channel is born. Comparisons with CNews or BFM flourish, accusing the show of having “Cross a red line” And to move away from the football debate for a political “drift” with hints deemed nauseating by many. The withdrawal of Walid Achechour deprives the chain in an important and unifying voice. Boycott calls, even if it is difficult to measure its real impact, create enormous pressure on this launch. Never the launch of a media project around such a installed brand has appeared so perilous.
The future of after at stake?
After Foot has built its success on passionate debate, expertise and freedom of tone. But last Thursday's scandal deeply tarnished its image and alienated part of its faithful audience. The new TV channel, supposed to be a consecration, starts under the worst auspices. Will Gilbert Brisbois apologies suffice to turn off the fire and bring back serenity? Or will the line embodied by Daniel Riolo and the recent controversy will they be right for a project that may transform into an industrial fiasco? The next few days will be crucial.
