Claude Askolovitch’s Departure from France Inter’s Morning Show: Changes Ahead for Sonia Devillers and New Faces Like Benjamin Duhamel
Benjamin Duhamel, a leading figure from BFMTV, joins the public service in September. Photo Miguel Medina/AFP
Published on June 3, 2025, at 09:05
France Inter has been dominating the airwaves for several seasons, proving its worth as a leading generalist station with a morning audience of seven million listeners . As the station’s management grapples with the challenge of retaining its top position while adapting its programming, several significant changes have been announced for the upcoming season.
Sonia Devillers Moves to 9 AM with a New Social Interview Format
After taking over from Léa Salamé two seasons ago, Sonia Devillers will no longer host the 7:50 AM interview slot. She plans to share stories from individuals who have experienced significant moments in society, showcasing their narratives from the first-person perspective . This shift is aimed at highlighting human experiences rather than focusing solely on political figures and experts, a pivot that Devillers believes will resonate more deeply with the audience.
Benjamin Duhamel Takes Over as the New Host
Welcoming Benjamin Duhamel , a prominent figure from BFMTV, to the station, it is expected that he will primarily steer the 7:50 AM slot towards political discussions. Duhamel, known for his daily shows, will bring his expertise and flair to the public service , ensuring that upcoming political events leading up to the 2026 municipal elections and the 2027 presidential race remain a focal point.
Claude Askolovitch Ends His Review Segment
After years of offering a unique perspective on current affairs, Claude Askolovitch has decided to step away from his role. Having announced his resignation to the station’s director, Adèle Van Reeth, he will transition to Novo19 , a new channel by Ouest-France, bringing his insights to their evening show. This move comes after years of waking up at an unyielding 2 AM to prepare for his segments.
“La Lutte Enchantée” Bids Farewell
The segment that examined ecological challenges, hosted by Camille Crosnier and Cyril Dion , will not return next season. As the duo spotlighted various environmental movements , they maintained an engaging dialogue around pressing ecological concerns while also pointing out inconsistencies among policy makers. Although this particular format is ending, Dion’s writings will be compiled into a book named “La Lutte Enchantée”, due for release next year.
Blockbusters Comes to an End
The beloved pop culture program that covered everything from video games to iconic films is set to conclude. The final season will explore the influence of Korean pop culture , while plans for a new pop culture segment are already in motion for the next season.
Saturday’s Programming Gets a Revamp
Several shows, including En Marge , L’Humour d’Inter , and Un Monde Nouveau , will be discontinued as the station seeks to revitalize its weekend programming with a music-focused lineup . This strategic shift has been confirmed by the management, ensuring that the station continues to resonate with its audience in new and dynamic ways.
This restructuring brings both excitement and challenges as France Inter aims to maintain its leadership while innovating its content offerings. As listeners gear up for the new season, the evolution promises to capture the vitality of contemporary issues, providing a fertile ground for dialogue and engagement.