Longtime French News Anchor Gilles Bouleau Steps Down
Gilles Bouleau, a prominent figure in French television news, is leaving his post as the anchor of the 8 p.m. News program on TF1, according to reports on February 17, 2026. The move marks the end of an era for the journalist, who has been a mainstay on French television for decades.
Bouleau, born May 25, 1962, in Paris, began his career at TF1 in 1986 after winning the Jean d’Arcy prize, a scholarship for young journalists. He spent ten years as a foreign correspondent, based in London and Washington, before becoming head of special operations in 2011. He took over the 8 p.m. News broadcast on June 4, 2012, succeeding Laurence Ferrari.
Prior to his role as anchor, Bouleau held various positions at TF1, including reporter and correspondent covering economics, social issues, politics, and investigations. He similarly reported from the front lines of major events, such as the conflict in Yugoslavia in 1987, the 1988 presidential election, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Winter Olympics in Albertville (1992) and Lillehammer (1994). He also served as deputy head of the arts and entertainment department.
The news of Bouleau’s departure has been met with reaction in the French media landscape. Toutelatele reported that TF1 is maintaining its course despite the change. Toutelatele also noted that the network is “taking a hit” following Bouleau’s exit.
Bouleau is a graduate of the Centre de formation des journalistes de Paris (CFJ, class of 1986) and the Institut d’études politiques de Paris (public service track, class of 1983). His long tenure at TF1 and LCI has made him a familiar face to French viewers, and his departure marks a significant shift in the country’s television news landscape. The change comes as news organizations worldwide continue to navigate evolving media consumption habits and the challenges of maintaining audience trust.
