Anne-Sophie Lapix will no longer present the 8 PM news on France 2 starting mid-July 2025. Thus ends an eight-year cycle that began in September 2017, when she succeeded David Pujadas, who was removed in a tense political context. This announcement, made by France Télévisions on May 27, marks a turning point in the public channel’s editorial strategy. Moreover, it is part of a broader reflection on the future of the evening news.
This departure, presented as a natural evolution, is not a personal choice of the journalist. According to several internal sources, management initiated this decision, motivated by a desire for renewal. However, Delphine Ernotte Cunci, president of the group, publicly praised her "commitment, rigor, and professionalism." She also indicated "working on new formats" with her, foreshadowing a reshuffling within the public service.
A solid career, a distinctive style
Born in Saint-Jean-de-Luz in 1972, Anne-Sophie Lapix represents a generation of journalists who transitioned from economic journalism to the heights of general news. A graduate of the Institute of Political Studies in Bordeaux, she began at Bloomberg TV in the 1990s. There, she honed a factual and demanding style. She moved through the newsrooms of LCI, M6, TF1, and Canal+, where she notably presented Dimanche +.
Her true recognition came at France 5, where she succeeded Alessandra Sublet at the helm of C à vous. She imposed a sober yet penetrating style, including interviews. In 2017, she naturally joined the 8 PM news on France 2, becoming the second woman to present it after Françoise Laborde.
The trial by political fire
During her tenure, Lapix imposed a clear tone, an assumed critical distance, and a form of rigor often rare on television. Thus, her interviews sometimes ruffled feathers. She questioned Marine Le Pen, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Anne Hidalgo, and Éric Zemmour with firmness. Moreover, she rejected evasive language and demanded precise answers. This stance sometimes put her at odds with some members of both the majority and the opposition.
According to several observers, this demanding position may have led to tensions, reported by the media press. In 2022, a controversial interview with President Macron fueled debates on the independence of public information.
Fluctuating audiences, a competitive context
The 8 PM news on France 2 is the second most-watched news program in France in terms of audience. Indeed, it ranks behind TF1. In 2022, under Lapix‘s influence, the gap narrowed, sometimes reaching less than 500,000 viewers difference. In 2024, the extension of the news to one hour was decided. Thus, it aimed to develop analysis and long-format reporting. Additionally, the pedagogical approach to facts was also a goal of this extension.
However, this strategy did not allow for a lasting increase. In September 2024, the audience fell back to about 3.8 million viewers. In comparison, the 8 PM news on TF1 presented by Gilles Bouleau had 5.2 million viewers. This decline, combined with a policy of rejuvenating the channel, led management to consider a change in presentation.
A strategic decision in a pre-election context
This change comes two years before the 2027 presidential election. For some analysts, the removal of Lapix responds to a political logic. By renewing the faces on the screen, France Télévisions seeks to preempt regular criticisms of its impartiality and modernity. This declared desire for a "new breath" aims to revitalize audiences. It seeks to reposition the institution in a fragmented informational landscape. The latter is dominated by social networks and the competition of continuous news channels.
Delphine Ernotte, herself renewed as president of the group, intends to promote a younger and more interactive vision of the news. Her entourage speaks of "new incarnations" to renew the relationship with the public. But this choice also raises questions about the sustainability of strong figures in the public service.
A succession still open
The name of Anne-Sophie Lapix‘s successor has not yet been officially announced. Several hypotheses are circulating. Caroline Roux, host of C dans l’air and political specialist, embodies a form of serious continuity. Maya Lauqué, morning face of Télématin, could bring a more accessible image. Julien Arnaud, stand-in on TF1, or Sonia Chironi, close to Laurent Delahousse, are also mentioned.
On the male side, Benjamin Duhamel or Thomas Sotto represent a rising generation, trained in new television grammars. The final choice will have to combine notoriety, journalistic competence, and attractiveness against a solidly established TF1 news.
A respected journalist and an open career
Despite her departure from the 8 PM news, Anne-Sophie Lapix retains a strong symbolic capital. Her rigor, claimed neutrality, and ability to maintain a high level of demand make her a highly respected journalist. She could, according to several rumors, be offered a weekly format on France 5, or even a special project on Franceinfo.
Other possibilities exist. Some private channels, like BFMTV or LCI, might try to recruit her. Her freedom of tone and image as a non-aligned journalist are assets in a changing media landscape. Moreover, her deep understanding of political mechanisms enhances these qualities.
A page turns for the public service
Information on France 2 will not be the same without Lapix. Her departure also reflects the profound changes underway in traditional media. Amid digital transformation, France Télévisions is under budgetary and political pressure. Consequently, it attempts to maintain a difficult balance between audience, journalistic quality, and renewal.
The face of the 8 PM news embodies much more than a simple host role: it is the meeting point between an audience and a vision of current events. By leaving this position, Anne-Sophie Lapix leaves a lasting mark and opens a space for questioning the future. Her career, marked by rigor, audacity, and mastery, will continue to inspire well beyond the news set.