Ever since Harry Roselmack sat in the anchor chair last week, he has became an unqualified success. The first non-white to present a prime time, French television news program, Roselmack's appointment was originally news in itself. But his quick wit, style and presentation has won many viewers at TF1. With some 7.4 million nightly viewers—about 42 per cent of the audience—Roselmack is comfortably ahead in the usually much-lower summer ratings. France is wild about Harry.
He's also on his way to becoming a national heart throb and a one of the country's most popular men. TF1 says "it has received a few vicious messages from racist die-hards. Otherwise, the reaction from viewers has been positive."
M Roselmack, 33, was recruited after last November's race riots. Born on the West Indian island of Martinique, he was raised in Tours. Roselmack is replacing the well-known French news anchor, Patrick Poivre d’Arvor, who is on summer holiday. Already, the critics are impressed: "Patrick Poivre d'Arvor likes to lounge seductively between the viewers and the news. Roselmack is more direct and packs in more information.
Although ethnic minorities represent about 10 per cent of France's population, few have prominent roles on television. (Photo via A cause des Garcons.)
France tunes in to first black newsreader (Times Online)
Harry Roselmack à la tête du JT de TF1 (A cause des Garcons)
First black newsreader is new TV heart-throb (Independent)
Previously:
First for France (Rod 2.0)
Waouw!!Good for him! Yeah french people can be as racist as anyone.
Contrary to popular beliefs!!
Posted by: Shabaka | 28 July 2006 at 15:14
He makes me want to learn French!:)
Posted by: ReggieH | 28 July 2006 at 19:40
I have to say that it is truly refreshing to see a charming and unmistakably suitable black man anchor for France.
This news is almost validating to my quest to master French as a second language as a black man.
Cheers Harry!
Posted by: Baby Typewriter | 30 July 2006 at 23:23
Le journaliste est professionnel, le ton est juste, la présence réelle, on oublie l'homme et on reçoit l'information à un rythme équilibré.
Il ne ressemble pas à un pantin " lifté", il est un français d'origine antillaise avec classe et compétence.
La France est ainsi et il faut que cela se voit!
Excellente politique et très bon choix.
Dommage que TF1 fasse le choix AS Lapix / H Roselmack pour l'émission du dimanche soir, car on va devoir affronter un stéréotype en vogue depuis 1950 qui va atténuer l'image positive du choix de HR pour le journal de 20 heures de TF1. Le choix est simpliste... In other words,I mean that H. R. is a right choice, I hope that telespectators will be able to appreciate his competence without mentioning his origins and worse,the colour of his skin.
It sounds so strange that in XXIe century, some of us still use words linked to physical features to define a person!!!!!!
Posted by: Ekta | 25 August 2006 at 07:07