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)
