The phrase, she says, follows her still. For Sonia Mabrouk, a prominent voice in French journalism, it isn’t a grand political declaration or a breaking news bulletin that resonates most deeply, but a simple observation made by a mentor decades ago. As Mabrouk prepares for a new chapter at BFMTV, following a highly public departure from CNews and Europe 1, she reflects on the enduring wisdom of Jean-Pierre Elkabbach: “Le public a toujours une fleur dans une main et un blâme dans l’autre” – “The public always has a flower in one hand and a blame in the other.” This sentiment, she explains, is a constant reminder of the precarious balance inherent in public life, a lesson learned early in her career and one that continues to guide her.
Mabrouk’s recent career moves were sparked by a disagreement over the continued presence of Jean-Marc Morandini on CNews, despite his definitive convictions for corruption of minors. Her resignation, reported by France in English, underscored a deep ethical conflict within the network and prompted a wider conversation about journalistic integrity. The decision to leave both CNews and Europe 1, as noted by Purepeople, was not taken lightly, but it was, she asserts, a necessary one.
A Mentorship Forged in Debate
Mabrouk’s path to becoming a respected journalist began with an encounter at Jeune Afrique. Elkabbach, then a leading figure in French media, noticed her assertive interviewing style during a particularly pointed exchange with Brice Hortefeux, a former Minister of the Interior during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency. He extended an invitation to join Public Sénat, which he was then directing, effectively launching her career. “Jean-Pierre m’a mis le pied à l’étrier,” she recalls – he gave her a foot up. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging those who offer early support, a sentiment often overlooked in the competitive world of journalism.
Elkabbach, who passed away in 2023, was a complex figure, Mabrouk acknowledges. She revisited her notebooks, meticulously documenting his observations, to ensure she accurately conveyed his message. “Quand on revisite une longue histoire, avec le temps, notre regard devient plus pertinent,” she reflects – revisiting a long history, with time, gives a more relevant perspective. She notes that his legacy is now widely recognized, a testament to a career built on substance and longevity. “Il y a tant d’étoiles filantes dans nos métiers qu’on ne peut être un astre qui brille si longtemps et si haut dans le ciel sans de véritables raisons,” she observes – there are so many shooting stars in our professions that one cannot shine so long and so high in the sky without real reasons.
The Public’s Dual Nature
It’s Elkabbach’s observation about the public – the flower and the blame – that has proven most enduring for Mabrouk. She explains that this phrase encapsulates the inherent duality of public life, the constant scrutiny and the inevitable mix of praise and criticism. “Que l’on soit comédien, musicien ou journaliste, quand on exerce un métier public, il faut s’en souvenir,” she states – whether one is an actor, musician, or journalist, when one exercises a public profession, one must remember this. This understanding, she believes, is particularly crucial in navigating the often-turbulent waters of modern media.
Mabrouk’s departure from CNews was, in part, a consequence of her unwillingness to compromise her principles. The situation with Morandini, and the resulting strain on her relationships with the network’s leadership, accelerated her decision to leave. She credits Elkabbach with instilling in her a belief in the “temps long” – the long game – a perspective that has helped her navigate the immediate fallout and focus on the future. She’s found that some who initially questioned her decision have since come to understand her position.
A Lesson in Humility
Mabrouk recalls a specific instance that underscored the power of Elkabbach’s wisdom. During a televised debate in 2016, Bruno Le Maire reacted strongly to what he perceived as an ironic remark made by Elkabbach regarding the renewal of political leadership. The following morning, Mabrouk found Elkabbach visibly shaken. He confided in her, admitting, “J’ai fait une erreur, j’étais trop sûr de moi” – “I made a mistake, I was too sure of myself.” This moment, she says, was a powerful lesson in humility, a reminder that even those with considerable experience and authority are capable of missteps and must be willing to acknowledge them. It reinforced the importance of Elkabbach’s core message: the public’s judgment is always present, a blend of appreciation and condemnation.
As Mabrouk prepares to join BFMTV, she carries with her not only the lessons learned from Elkabbach but also a deep sense of responsibility to uphold journalistic integrity. She emphasizes the importance of honoring those who have supported her throughout her career, recognizing that success is rarely achieved in isolation. The loss of her mother in 2022, she adds, has further solidified her belief in the enduring power of connection and the importance of finding meaning in the face of grief.
Looking ahead, Sonia Mabrouk’s arrival at BFMTV is anticipated at the end of August. The network has not yet announced specific programming details, but Mabrouk’s commitment to rigorous journalism and ethical reporting is expected to be a significant asset. The media landscape continues to evolve, and the challenges facing journalists remain substantial, but Mabrouk appears well-equipped to navigate them, guided by the enduring wisdom of a mentor and a steadfast commitment to her principles. Readers can stay updated on Mabrouk’s new role and BFMTV’s programming schedule through the network’s official website: https://www.bfmtv.com/.
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