She refuses to “obliterate conscience.” Barbara Olivier-Zandronis, the journalist who was suspended from RCI, the main radio station of the Antilles, in early December after an interview with the head of the National Rally Jordan Bardella, will not return to the airwaves of these private Guadeloupean airwaves.
Despite a petition calling for her reinstatement that has garnered more than 42,000 signatures since December 9, she announced in a series of tweets posted on Support on Sunday, quoting Albert Londres: “It is our job not to please or to do harm, but the task is to please.” Rub the pen into the wound. » – that she has decided to “practice her profession where possible without wiping out her conscience”.
I am eternally grateful to have received so much support; More than 40,000 people have signed this petition demanding my reinstatement in the newspaper's presentation.
It went far beyond any democratic surge I could imagine.— Barbara Olivier-Zandronis (@barbara_olivier) January 7, 2024
“To my colleagues who are passionate about information, to committed citizens, to listeners who care about respect for democracy and who are committed to respecting freedom of the press, I send my most sincere and deep thanks,” continues Barbara Olivier-Zandronis, who Hopes for 2024 will be a year “that will bring hope where despair has gained ground and courage where the spirit has become discouraged.”
“Which political party do you have your ticket for, madam?” »
On December 8th, the now former RCI presenter had a lively exchange with the RN MEP on the 1pm news, noting in particular that he made “no suggestions” to the European Parliament. She also criticized him for declaring that Europe “cannot become a five-star guesthouse for Africa.”
The RN manager finally asked the interviewer, “What political party are you carding for, madam?” and added, “You have been attacking me for about nine minutes by asking the questions and answers.”
After this interview, the RCI management removed the journalist, who had been on a fixed-term contract since September, from presenting the 1 p.m. news, which she anchored every week from Friday to Sunday. This decision sparked new controversy, as several left-wing elected officials denounced an attack on press freedom.
“This is not the first newsroom in the world where a hiccup causes someone to be taken off the air,” said Hervé de Haro, deputy director of RCI Guadeloupe.