Why "L'Express" refused its new editorial director

The appointment of Philippe Jannet was rejected by the editors of "L'Express". Journalists point out that his profile could have caused "a problem of independence".

73 votes against, 43 for and 6 draws. This November 26th, the result of the vote of the journalists of the The Express was without appeal. It is a no to the arrival of Philippe Jannet at the head of the editorial office. Especially since the participation rate was very high: 96%. "The mobilization was mbadive, with more than 96% participation. And the wording was clearly expressed ", notes the office of the Society of Journalists, quoted by Le Monde. After this snub, management says it has "heard the vote of the editorial board " and go "continue the dialogue with journalists ". How to explain this setback for Altice executives, who appointed Philippe Jannet as managing editor of "L'Express" and deputy managing director of Groupe L'Express on November 12?

As reported Libe and The world, the majority of journalists were not convinced by his oral speech, especially his answers to questions about independence. "In particular, the journalists were wondering, in view of the pro-Macron positions displayed on his personal Twitter account, his independence from the government.", Explain Libe. On March 21, he appears in a tweet (he relayed) related to a communication operation of the Republic in progress (LREM).

"This can pose a problem of independence ", explains a reporter. Another believes: "During Mr. Jannet's interview with the editors last Wednesday, we had the feeling that he would make a good general manager, who knows digital. But his editorial project was less clear. But that's what's missing. " Mr. Jannet also considered the Benalla case as "media buzzIn a tweet last July. "Criticizing the treatment of the press in this type of case is not necessarily encouraging for investigative journalists ", argues a journalist, whose comments are reported by The world.

This vote of rejection does not necessarily preclude his appointment as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of The Express.