Credits: Paul Einerhand / Unsplash.
Benjamin Duhamel holds a unique place in the French media landscape. Born on March 15, 1995, he embodies both continuity and modernity in political journalism. His family, rooted in the media world, saw him grow up around the leading voices of the news. His father, Patrice Duhamel, headed France Télévisions. His mother, Nathalie Saint-Cricq, was head of the political desk at France 2. He also counts Alain Duhamel, a longtime columnist, and government minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra among his relatives. This family network demands rigor. However, it sometimes raises suspicions of favoritism, which the young journalist acknowledges with clear-eyed realism.
An Excellent Academic Background
From childhood, Benjamin Duhamel received a demanding education. He attended the École bilingue active Jeannine-Manuel, then the prestigious Lycée Henri-IV. After earning his baccalaureate, he joined the Paris Institute of Political Studies. Graduating in 2017, he quickly turned to journalism while nurturing a curiosity for contemporary literature. He readily cites Belle du Seigneur by Albert Cohen or The Scortas’ Sun by Laurent Gaudé. This background fuels his analytical skills and enriches his on-air speaking style.
Rising at BFMTV
After stints at RTL and then LCI, Benjamin Duhamel joined the newsroom at BFMTV in 2019. He then covered the major political events on the national stage. In addition, he stood out during major live broadcasts, especially during elections or government crises. In September 2023, he was given the Sunday midday political interview. Quickly, he earned the trust of both the newsroom and the audience. In fall 2024, he succeeded Yves Calvi in the 6:50 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. slot. He established a clear style, marked by precise questions and restrained analysis. However, competition intensified within the group, marked by strategic upheavals and a series of departures.
A Departure That Made Headlines
In June 2025, the journalist announced his departure from BFMTV. He joined the morning show on France Inter, France’s leading radio station. This change came in the context of the media transfer window, marked by Altice Media’s takeover by CMA CGM. Several emblematic figures left the channel, including Benjamin Duhamel. He then had to choose between television and radio, since doing both was impossible. He told Le Parisien: “Juggling those two radio commitments with my daily show on BFMTV was impossible. So I decided to leave the channel. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I couldn’t turn down such an opportunity.” The decision sparked reactions internally. Thus, the noticeable absence of Fabien Namias, the channel’s CEO, from his farewell gathering fueled rumors of underlying tension.
Video unavailableA New Challenge at France Inter
At the start of the new season, Benjamin Duhamel takes over Léa Salamé for the 7:50 a.m. interview on France Inter. In addition, he will co-host Le Grand entretien alongside Nicolas Demorand. This dual role brings a heavier workload. He says it himself: “I’m going to work a lot, yes. I understand how demanding this morning show is, and that’s also what excites me.” He accepted a salary lower than the one offered by television, a sign of a commitment that is more personal than financial. He says he feels “honored” to join a station he listened to as a teenager, citing Patrick Cohen and Sonia Devillers among his role models.
A Private Life That Is Discreet Yet Exposed
In his private life, Benjamin Duhamel has shared the life of Agathe Lambret, a political journalist who previously worked at BFMTV and is currently at France Info, for the past five years. The couple keeps a low profile, while acknowledging the intensity of a daily life split between reporting and the newsroom. In his own words, he rejects the “privileged” label. He claims a form of personal merit. However, he acknowledges that his name demands constant vigilance over the quality of his work.
An Emblematic Face Of Political Journalism
With this move from BFMTV to France Inter, Benjamin Duhamel confirms his status as an engaged, versatile journalist. He embodies a new generation committed to transparency, analysis, and communicating knowledge. His path is marked by loyalty to family values and a taste for public debate. In addition, it now belongs in the history of the great voices of French journalism.