{{short description|French journalist, media personality and television producer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}} {{infobox person | name = Pascal Praud | image = Pascal Praud 2025.jpg | caption = Pascal Praud arriving at the funeral of Philippe Labro at the church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 2025. | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1964|09|09|df=yes}} | birth_place = Nantes, France | occupation = Journalist ''L'heure des pros'' | known_for = Football | employer = CNews<br>Europe 1 }}
'''Pascal Praud''' (born 9 September 1964) is a French far-right personality, sports journalist, radio columnist, radio host, television presenter and producer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/programme/l-heure-des-pros-f155448175|title=Programme TV – L'heure des pros présenté par Pascal Praud|website=tvmag.lefigaro.fr|access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=17 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117212754/https://tvmag.lefigaro.fr/programme-tv/programme/l-heure-des-pros-f155448175|url-status=live}}</ref>
After 20 years with TF1, especially alongside Thierry Roland on ''Téléfoot'', he became general manager in charge of communication and marketing of FC Nantes in 2008 for two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telerama.fr/television/22970-pascal_praud_quitte_tf1_pour_le_fc_nantes.php|title=Pascal Praud quitte TF1 pour le FC Nantes|website=Télérama.fr|date=7 December 2007 |access-date=25 June 2020|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023122044/https://www.telerama.fr/television/22970-pascal_praud_quitte_tf1_pour_le_fc_nantes.php|url-status=live}}</ref> On radio, since 2010, he has hosted several sports broadcasts on RTL, also writing a column for the station's morning show from 2014 to 2018. On television, since 2017, he has produced and hosted several shows on CNews dealing with football as well as current affairs and politics.
In the French media, according to some, Pascal Praud would participates in the normalisation of the ideas of the French far-right, notably those of Éric Zemmour, and in the archconservative political positions held by Vincent Bolloré. He has generated controversy on multiple occasions for positions he espoused during his broadcasts. These include denying the existence of climate change<ref>{{Cite web |last=à 21h37 |first=Par Carine DidierLe 8 mai 2019 |date=2019-05-08 |title=Clash entre Pascal Praud et Claire Nouvian : décryptage d'une polémique |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/tv/clash-entre-pascal-praud-et-claire-nouvian-decryptage-d-une-polemique-08-05-2019-8068362.php |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR |archive-date=28 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028091704/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/tv/clash-entre-pascal-praud-et-claire-nouvian-decryptage-d-une-polemique-08-05-2019-8068362.php |url-status=live }}</ref> and tying the spread of bedbugs to immigration.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-29 |title=Pascal Praud ose le lien entre punaises de lit et immigration, ce député saisit l'Arcom |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/pascal-praud-ose-le-lien-entre-punaises-de-lit-et-immigration-sur-cnews-ce-depute-saisit-l-arcom_223755.html |access-date=2023-10-28 |website=Le HuffPost |language=fr |archive-date=29 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929123138/https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/pascal-praud-ose-le-lien-entre-punaises-de-lit-et-immigration-sur-cnews-ce-depute-saisit-l-arcom_223755.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He has also been accused of misogyny towards many of his female colleagues.<ref>{{Cite web |last=cgarin |date=2019-10-10 |title=L'heure des pros : Caroline Mécary quitte l'émission et dénonce "le sexisme et la violence" de Pascal Praud |url=https://www.telestar.fr/actu-tv/autres-emissions/l-heure-des-pros-caroline-mecary-quitte-l-emission-et-denonce-le-sexisme-et-la-v-462575 |access-date=2025-05-06 |website=Télé Star |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
== Biography == He is the son of Roger Praud, apprentice footballer at FC Nantes who fought during the Algerian War, and Michelle Dubois.<ref>https://www.telestar.fr/actu_tv/pascal-praud-absent-de-cnews-le-journaliste-a-perdu-son-pere-1696059</ref>
== Radio == In 1988–2012 he commented on ''On refait le match'', a broadcast by Eugène Saccomano on RTL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pascal Praud |url=https://www.rtl.fr/auteur/pascal-praud |website=RTL.fr |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=27 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627230215/https://www.rtl.fr/auteur/pascal-praud |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1988–2008 he hosted ''Tirs au but'' on RTL. In 2010–2018 he co-hosted ''Multiplex RTL-L'Équipe et du Grand match de Ligue 1'' on RTL, alongside Christian Ollivier. In 2012–2018 he hosted ''On refait le match'' on RTL. In 2014–2018 he was an editorialist on ''Le Praud de l'Info'' in Yves Calvi's daily morning show, as well as ''L'Actualité de la semaine écoulée'' on Saturdays on RTL. From 2018 to 2023 he has hosted ''Les auditeurs ont la parole'' on RTL.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Les auditeurs ont la parole : replays, vidéos et podcasts avec Pascal Praud sur RTL |url=https://www.rtl.fr/emission/les-auditeurs-ont-la-parole |website=RTL.fr |access-date=25 June 2020 |archive-date=26 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626223344/https://www.rtl.fr/emission/les-auditeurs-ont-la-parole |url-status=live }}</ref>
In July 2023, Praud formalized his departure from RTL and his transfer to Europe 1. Since September 2023 he has hosted the show ''Pascal Praud et vous'' broadcast on Europe 1 at midday.
== Political positioning and controversies ==
=== Far-right in the media === Pascal Praud is considered a figure of the far-right in the media,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-08 |title=Comment l'extrême droite a infiltré les médias |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2022/07/08/comment-l-extreme-droite-a-infiltre-les-medias_6133900_3234.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |archive-date=14 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114144407/https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2022/07/08/comment-l-extreme-droite-a-infiltre-les-medias_6133900_3234.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lou Philly: 40-day strike against the radical right – International Journalists |url=https://internationaljournalists.org/en/lou-philly-40-day-strike-against-the-radical-right/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rabat |first=Basma El Atti ــ |date=2023 |title=France's bed bugs invade a Moroccan port |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/frances-bed-bugs-invade-moroccan-port |access-date=2024-03-10 |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010152125/https://www.newarab.com/news/frances-bed-bugs-invade-moroccan-port |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Samuel |first=Henry |date=2023-10-04 |title=French panic as bedbug invasion spreads |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/04/french-mp-bedbugs-vial-parliament-crisis-hits-hospitals/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=The Telegraph |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235 |archive-date=7 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307133854/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/10/04/french-mp-bedbugs-vial-parliament-crisis-hits-hospitals/ |url-status=live }}</ref> alongside personalities like Éric Zemmour.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-09-11 |title=Face à la concurrence, CNews fait le pari d'une parole décomplexée |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2020/09/11/face-a-la-concurrence-cnews-fait-le-pari-d-une-parole-decomplexee_6051735_3234.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |archive-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701225018/https://www.lemonde.fr/economie/article/2020/09/11/face-a-la-concurrence-cnews-fait-le-pari-d-une-parole-decomplexee_6051735_3234.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He contributed to the mainstreaming of far-right theses on French television.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-05-18 |title=CNews banalise l'extrême droite, comme Fox News l'a fait pour Donald Trump |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2021/05/18/cnews-banalise-l-extreme-droite-comme-fox-news-l-a-fait-pour-donald-trump_6080547_3232.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |archive-date=18 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231218222917/https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2021/05/18/cnews-banalise-l-extreme-droite-comme-fox-news-l-a-fait-pour-donald-trump_6080547_3232.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-08 |title=Invasion du Capitole, rave party, inceste : sur CNews, le trumpisme en marche |url=https://www.telerama.fr/ecrans/invasion-du-capitole-rave-party-inceste-sur-cnews-le-trumpisme-en-marche-6796549.php |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=www.telerama.fr |language=fr |archive-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701225021/https://www.telerama.fr/ecrans/invasion-du-capitole-rave-party-inceste-sur-cnews-le-trumpisme-en-marche-6796549.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-04-20 |title=Sur CNews, Pascal Praud salue le "courage" de Sonia Mabrouk, présentatrice de CNews |url=https://www.telerama.fr/ecrans/sur-cnews-pascal-praud-salue-le-courage-de-sonia-mabrouk-presentatrice-de-cnews-6864140.php |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=www.telerama.fr |language=fr |archive-date=1 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701225032/https://www.telerama.fr/ecrans/sur-cnews-pascal-praud-salue-le-courage-de-sonia-mabrouk-presentatrice-de-cnews-6864140.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-10 |title=CNews, première chaîne d'intox de France… avec le soutien de l'Élysée |url=https://www.telerama.fr/ecrans/cnews-premiere-chaine-dintox-de-france...-avec-le-soutien-de-lelysee-6875760.php |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=www.telerama.fr |language=fr |archive-date=31 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331233105/https://www.telerama.fr/ecrans/cnews-premiere-chaine-dintox-de-france...-avec-le-soutien-de-lelysee-6875760.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Alexis Lévrier supports that his program involves promoting the ideas of Éric Zemmour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-11-20 |title=Comment les médias ultra-conservateurs arbitrent le match Le Pen/Zemmour - ENQUÊTE |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/la-confrontation-le-pen-zemmour-vue-a-travers-les-medias-ultra-conservateurs_188796.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Le HuffPost |language=fr |archive-date=21 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721231938/https://www.huffingtonpost.fr/politique/article/la-confrontation-le-pen-zemmour-vue-a-travers-les-medias-ultra-conservateurs_188796.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Marlène Laruelle, a professor at George Washington University, sees his show as one of the three flagship programs on the CNEWS channel in terms of far-right.<ref>{{Cite web |title=When the military joins the far right: Macron's challenges ahead of the 2022 election |url=https://ieres.elliott.gwu.edu/project/when-the-military-joins-the-far-right-macrons-challenges-ahead-of-the-2022-election/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=The Institute for European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies (IERES) |language=en-US |archive-date=8 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808123134/https://ieres.elliott.gwu.edu/project/when-the-military-joins-the-far-right-macrons-challenges-ahead-of-the-2022-election/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
For example, during the 2022 French presidential election, Praud supported Zemmour by stating, among other things, that "the other candidates don't interest anyone"<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=2021-11-16 |title=Comment Vincent Bolloré mobilise son empire médiatique pour peser sur la présidentielle |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/m-le-mag/article/2021/11/16/l-opa-de-vincent-bollore-sur-la-presidentielle_6102316_4500055.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |archive-date=19 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119222414/https://www.lemonde.fr/m-le-mag/article/2021/11/16/l-opa-de-vincent-bollore-sur-la-presidentielle_6102316_4500055.html |url-status=live }}</ref> or, after comments from Emmanuel Macron, "he (Zemmour) is better than the others. (...) His statement is the most accurate, the most intelligent".<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |date=2022-01-10 |title=Une semaine à regarder uniquement CNews : mépris de la gauche, critique contre l'exécutif, sympathie pour Eric Zemmour |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2022/01/10/mepris-de-la-gauche-critique-contre-l-executif-sympathie-pour-zemmour-une-semaine-en-immersion-sur-cnews_6108810_823448.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |archive-date=15 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715193250/https://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2022/01/10/mepris-de-la-gauche-critique-contre-l-executif-sympathie-pour-zemmour-une-semaine-en-immersion-sur-cnews_6108810_823448.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Praud also denied the existence of the far right in France.<ref name=":1" /> He plays a central role in the ultra-conservative media policy led by Vincent Bolloré.<ref name=":0" /> Lucie Guimier categorized him within the "anti-system and reactionary nebula" in an article published by the academic journal Hérodote.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Guimier |first=Lucie |date=2021-12-09 |title=Les résistances françaises aux vaccinations : continuité et ruptures à la lumière de la pandémie de Covid-19 |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-herodote-2021-4-page-227.htm?ref=doi |journal=Hérodote |volume=183 |issue=4 |pages=227–250 |doi=10.3917/her.183.0227 |s2cid=245086581 |issn=0338-487X |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=18 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240218000329/https://www.cairn.info/revue-herodote-2021-4-page-227.htm?ref=doi |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref>
In 2021, Pascal Praud told the magazines Le Point and Valeurs actuelles: "I am very conservative regarding culture, history, authority, and security. I no longer recognize the France in which I grew up because the transmission did not happen. I am also very progressive on societal issues, such as same-sex marriage, assisted reproduction, surrogacy. And, economically, I am liberal".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-26 |title=Pascal Praud ne reconnaît plus la France dans laquelle il a grandi |url=https://www.lepoint.fr/economie/pascal-praud-ne-reconnait-plus-la-france-dans-laquelle-il-a-grandi-26-06-2021-2432917_28.php |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Le Point |language=fr |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110121355/https://www.lepoint.fr/economie/pascal-praud-ne-reconnait-plus-la-france-dans-laquelle-il-a-grandi-26-06-2021-2432917_28.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=6medias2 |date=2021-06-27 |title="Je suis hyperconservateur" : Pascal Praud ne "reconnaît plus la France" dans laquelle il a "grandi" |url=https://www.valeursactuelles.com/societe/je-suis-hyperconservateur-pascal-praud-ne-reconnait-plus-la-france-dans-laquelle-il-a-grandi |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Valeurs actuelles |language=fr-FR |archive-date=3 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703120256/https://www.valeursactuelles.com/societe/je-suis-hyperconservateur-pascal-praud-ne-reconnait-plus-la-france-dans-laquelle-il-a-grandi |url-status=live }}</ref> In the same context, Benoît Hamon refused to meet with him and debate on his show that year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=agence |first=avec |date=2021-05-25 |title=Benoît Hamon refuse d'aller sur " CNews " : " On ne débat pas avec Pascal Praud " |url=https://www.ouest-france.fr/politique/benoit-hamon/benoit-hamon-refuse-d-aller-sur-cnews-on-ne-debat-pas-avec-pascal-praud-7273493 |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Ouest-France.fr |language=fr |archive-date=19 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230719125358/https://www.ouest-france.fr/politique/benoit-hamon/benoit-hamon-refuse-d-aller-sur-cnews-on-ne-debat-pas-avec-pascal-praud-7273493 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Philippe Ridet, a journalist at Le Monde, Pascal Praud is a "master of invective"; "Macho, populist, right-wing, 'pub owner' are now words associated with his name".<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-05-31 |title=Il est comme ça… Pascal Praud |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/m-le-mag/article/2019/05/31/il-est-comme-ca-pascal-praud_5469968_4500055.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=Le Monde.fr |language=fr |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104012357/https://www.lemonde.fr/m-le-mag/article/2019/05/31/il-est-comme-ca-pascal-praud_5469968_4500055.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2018, Les Inrockuptibles described the commentator as an "uninhibited right-winger".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Comment CNews est devenu le pendant français de Fox News {{!}} Les Inrocks |url=https://www.lesinrocks.com/actu/cnews-la-redac-reacs-154076-29-06-2018/ |access-date=2024-03-10 |language=fr-FR |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202160139/https://www.lesinrocks.com/actu/cnews-la-redac-reacs-154076-29-06-2018/ |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Middle East Eye, he is populist and "openly Islamophobic".<ref>{{Cite web |title=CNEWS, un média d'opinion au service de l'extrême droite française |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/fr/actu-et-enquetes/france-medias-cnews-extreme-droite-zemmour-bollore-arcom |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Middle East Eye édition française |language=fr |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119093728/https://www.middleeasteye.net/fr/actu-et-enquetes/france-medias-cnews-extreme-droite-zemmour-bollore-arcom |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2022, on CNews, Pascal Praud acknowledged the channel's proximity to the ideas of Éric Zemmour.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cnews : Pascal Praud reconnaît en direct la proximité de la chaîne avec les idées d'Éric Zemmour |url=https://www.midilibre.fr/2022/05/17/cnews-pascal-praud-reconnait-en-direct-la-proximite-de-la-chaine-avec-les-idees-deric-zemmour-10300894.php |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=midilibre.fr |language=fr |archive-date=13 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240213194459/https://www.midilibre.fr/2022/05/17/cnews-pascal-praud-reconnait-en-direct-la-proximite-de-la-chaine-avec-les-idees-deric-zemmour-10300894.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2023, after the publication of a parody sketch of Pascal Praud's show by the French comedian Malik Bentalha, which was viewed 33 million times in a month,<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=à 15h34 |first=Par Carine Didier et Benoît Daragon Le 25 novembre 2023 |date=2023-11-25 |title=Pascal Praud répond aux polémiques : " On me fait passer pour un réac alors que je suis plutôt anar " |url=https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/tv/pascal-praud-repond-aux-polemiques-on-me-fait-passer-pour-un-reac-alors-que-je-suis-plutot-anar-25-11-2023-HC2NLKGIVJDGPLYENR3HWOUZWM.php |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=leparisien.fr |language=fr-FR |archive-date=1 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301194958/https://www.leparisien.fr/culture-loisirs/tv/pascal-praud-repond-aux-polemiques-on-me-fait-passer-pour-un-reac-alors-que-je-suis-plutot-anar-25-11-2023-HC2NLKGIVJDGPLYENR3HWOUZWM.php |url-status=live }}</ref> he reacted by stating, "They portray me as a reactionary when I'm more of an anarchist. I value freedom above all".<ref name=":2" />
During the 2024 French legislative elections, Praud supported a "union of the right" between The Republicans (LR) and the National Rally (RN).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Block |first=Pauline |date=14 June 2024 |title=SUR CNEWS, PASCAL PRAUD MILITE AVEC FERVEUR POUR "L'UNION DES DROITES" |url=https://www.arretsurimages.net/articles/sur-cnews-pascal-praud-milite-avec-ferveur-pour-lunion-des-droites |work=Arrêt sur Images}}</ref> During the same campaign, he clearly favored far-right candidates by attacking and demonizing the New Popular Front (NFP).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-06-24 |title=Chez Pascal Praud, diabolisation de la gauche et soutien explicite à l'extrême droite qui « n'existe plus en France » |url=https://www.nouvelobs.com/medias/20240624.OBS90155/chez-pascal-praud-diabolisation-de-la-gauche-et-soutien-explicite-a-l-extreme-droite-qui-n-existe-plus-en-france.html |access-date=2024-06-27 |website=Le Nouvel Obs |language=fr}}</ref>
=== Far-right rhetoric === According to Renaud Maes, a Belgian left-wing sociologist and researcher specializing in the far-right,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Renaud Maes - Maison des Sciences Humaines (MSH-ULB) |url=https://msh.ulb.ac.be/fr/who/renaud-maes |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=msh.ulb.ac.be |language=fr |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110182319/https://msh.ulb.ac.be/fr/who/renaud-maes |url-status=live }}</ref> Pascal Praud and Eric Zemmour employ the same rhetorical techniques as right-wing populists, the extreme right, and neo-fascists. He writes in an academic article dedicated to the issue of "cancel culture":<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Maes |first=Renaud |date=2021-05-27 |title=La " cancel culture " à l'assaut du débat public |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-nouvelle-2021-4-page-2.htm?ref=doi |journal=La Revue Nouvelle |volume=4 |issue=4 |pages=2–8 |doi=10.3917/rn.214.0002 |s2cid=236366529 |issn=0035-3809 |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110182318/https://www.cairn.info/revue-nouvelle-2021-4-page-2.htm?ref=doi |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref><blockquote>"Pascal Praud, Éric Zemmour, etc., do not hesitate to claim that they are prevented from speaking publicly. The mention of a supposed threat to one's public and media speech, even while expressing oneself publicly in a media without interruption or real opposition, is a rhetorical stratagem widely used by right-wing populists, the extreme right, and neo-fascists worldwide. This allows them to spread the conspiratorial idea of an 'internal threat' aiming to 'destabilize society.'"</blockquote>The French left-wing researcher Valérie Robert, an associate professor at Sorbonne-Nouvelle University (Paris III) and director of the Franco-German journalism master's program at the same university,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Valérie Robert : podcasts et actualités |url=https://www.radiofrance.fr/personnes/valerie-robert |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=Radio France |language=fr |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110231255/https://www.radiofrance.fr/personnes/valerie-robert |url-status=live }}</ref> compared the media strategies of CNews and Fox News, using Pascal Praud as an example.<ref name=":02">{{Cite journal |last=Robert |first=Valérie |date=2021 |title=France's very own Murdoch Money, media, and campaigning |url=https://hal.science/hal-03917420 |journal=Journalistik |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110182844/https://hal.science/hal-03917420 |url-status=live }}</ref> She suggested that French media and public discourse leaned "strongly" towards the far-right as a result.<ref name=":02" /> This comparison with Fox News was also made by the Financial Times, noting that Pascal Praud often chooses "topics favored by the far right, such as anti-police protests, the veil worn by some Muslim women, and skepticism towards climate change".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vincent Bolloré, Éric Zemmour and the rise of 'France's Fox News' |url=https://www.ft.com/content/e794f9c5-4f1f-4206-8680-f46f0fbaabbf |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=www.ft.com |date=5 October 2021 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308202750/https://www.ft.com/content/e794f9c5-4f1f-4206-8680-f46f0fbaabbf |url-status=live |last1=Abboud |first1=Leila |last2=Mallet |first2=Victor }}</ref> The New York Times made a similar analysis,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stangler |first=Cole |date=2021-06-02 |title=Opinion {{!}} France Is Becoming More Like America. It's Terrible. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/02/opinion/france-cnews-americanization.html |access-date=2024-03-10 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=1 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201064117/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/02/opinion/france-cnews-americanization.html |url-status=live }}</ref> which was then echoed and confirmed by the researcher Robert E. Gutsche. Alan Ouakrat, an associate professor at Sorbonne-Nouvelle University,<ref>{{Cite web |title=CV Home - Archive ouverte HAL |url=https://cv.hal.science/alan-ouakrat?langChosen=fr |access-date=2024-03-10 |website=cv.hal.science |language=en}}</ref> stated, in connection with the issue of hate speech in the French public space, that 'L'Heure des Pros', i.e Praud's program, is "the starting point and anchor of hate speech and argumentative pieces compiled by users to assert their arguments and reinforce the certainty of the validity of their opinions".<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Ouakrat |first=Alain |date=2023-10-31 |title=Des discours de haine au cœur du débat public: La contribution des médias à la circulation des polémiques de Valeurs actuelles |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-reseaux-2023-5-page-123.htm?ref=doi |journal=Réseaux |volume=241 |issue=5 |pages=123–161 |doi=10.3917/res.241.0123 |s2cid=265106923 |issn=0751-7971 |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310092744/https://www.cairn.info/revue-reseaux-2023-5-page-123.htm?ref=doi |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref> Left-wing semioticians Jean-Maxence Granier and Éric Bertin argued that Pascal Praud's show establishes the rhetorical technique of the "false debate", describing it as follows:<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Bertin |first1=Éric |last2=Granier |first2=Jean-Maxence |date=2022-09-14 |title=L'âge de la polémique: Métamorphoses de l'espace du débat |url=https://www.cairn.info/revue-esprit-2022-9-page-53.htm?ref=doi |journal=Esprit |volume=Septembre |issue=9 |pages=53–62 |doi=10.3917/espri.2209.0053 |s2cid=252523423 |issn=0014-0759 |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110183431/https://www.cairn.info/revue-esprit-2022-9-page-53.htm?ref=doi |url-status=live |url-access=subscription }}</ref><blockquote>"This false debate relies on a rhetorical artifice that transforms a point of view into an obvious truth, under the guise of 'speaking the truth,' making it the voice of the French people and common sense. In this discursive power move, the primacy of arguments and the recognition of actors are evacuated."</blockquote>Jean-Maxence Granier dedicated an additional article to the subject, where he stated:<ref>''La bollorisation des médias,'' Esprit Presse, Jean Maxence Granier, novembre 2021 : https://esprit.presse.fr/actualites/jean-maxence-granier/la-bollorisation-des-medias-43727 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230328112234/https://esprit.presse.fr/actualites/jean-maxence-granier/la-bollorisation-des-medias-43727 |date=28 March 2023 }}</ref><blockquote>"Conservative, Catholic, traditionalist ideas, deeply rooted on the right, supported by an identity and civilizational populism, are championed by individuals such as Éric Zemmour, Pascal Praud, or Sonia Mabrouk. These ideas are primarily framed within a perspective of decline, nationalism, making Islam the central problem in France, associated with immigration issues and law enforcement, while identifying 'wokeism' as the other major danger that needs to be combated."</blockquote>
=== Minimization of sexual violence === Pascal Praud has repeatedly been criticized for comments perceived as minimizing or casting doubt on the testimony of women who are victims of sexual violence, often within a broader “anti-woke” or anti-feminist framing. In 2018, in ''Le Point'', Praud declares about the pedophile, he calls a "marvelous writer" : "I very much like Gabriel Matzneff, whose books I believe I own in full. I like his style, his phrasing, his rhythm. I like what he says and the way he says it."<ref>[https://www.lepoint.fr/livres/pascal-praud-j-offrirais-bien-a-macron-les-illusions-perdues-de-balzac-22-12-2018-2281445_37.php Pascal Praud : « J'offrirais bien à Macron "Les Illusions perdues" de Balzac »], Le Point, 22 décembre 2018</ref>
Praud repeatedly criticized also what he described as “media justice” surrounding Gérard Depardieu, or Ary Abittan,<ref>[https://www.lejdd.fr/societe/pascal-praud-dans-le-jdd-ary-abittan-histoire-dun-retour-145651 Pascal Praud dans le JDD : « Ary Abittan, histoire d’un retour »], Le JDD, 26 mai 2024</ref> suggesting that television investigations and public outrage were replacing proper judicial process.<ref>[https://www.lejdd.fr/chroniques/pascal-praud-dans-le-jdd-depardieu-et-les-malfaisants-140995 Pascal Praud dans le JDD : « Depardieu et les malfaisants »], Le JDD, 7 janvier 2024</ref> During the Pelicot rape case, he said "At the risk of displeasing some, I do not feel guilty about anything. The men who entered Mrs. Pelicot’s room are the only ones responsible for their actions.<ref>[https://www.lejdd.fr/societe/pascal-praud-dans-le-jdd-hommes-femmes-mode-demploi-150019 Pascal Praud dans le JDD : «Hommes, femmes, mode d’emploi»], Le JDD, 29 septembre 2024</ref>
On 1 April 2025, he was accused of Victim blaming and promotting Rape culture when he talked about “women who were never looked at by men”, during a debate about including consent more explicitly in the legal definition of Rape in France, Pascal Praud, pretexting a “feeling of revenge” coming from “radical feminists” or “ultra-feminists,” and a “generational divide”.<ref>[https://www.telerama.fr/television/l-arcom-met-en-garde-cnews-pour-prejuges-sexistes-pendant-l-heure-des-pros-2-7028614.php L’Arcom met en garde CNews pour “préjugés sexistes” pendant “L’Heure des pros 2”], Télérama, 5 décembre 2025</ref> He also criticized a "questionable" link between pedophilia, the Church and during the Bétharram scandal with the prime minister François Bayrou.<ref>[https://www.europe1.fr/emissions/lheure-des-pros/edito-pascal-praud-affaire-betharram-personne-nimagine-que-le-premier-ministre-ait-couvert-des-actes-de-pedocriminalite-748453 Édito Pascal Praud - Affaire Bétharram : «Personne n'imagine que le Premier ministre ait couvert des actes de pédocriminalité»], Europe 1, 15 mai 2025</ref> These statements came notably during controversy surrounding the continued presence of Jean-Marc Morandini on air, on his channel CNews, despite his conviction for corruption of minors.<ref>[https://www.mediapart.fr/journal/france/110226/pascal-praud-recycle-un-chroniqueur-lui-meme-mis-en-cause-par-des-victimes-de-morandini Pascal Praud a recyclé un chroniqueur lui-même mis en cause par des victimes de Morandini], Mediapart, 11 février 2026</ref>
== Filmography == He played himself in a short appearance in the film ''Trois Zéros'' by Fabien Onteniente (2002).
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Portal|Association football|radio|television}} * [https://twitter.com/pascalpraud?lang=en Official Twitter]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Praud, Pascal}} Category:1964 births Category:Living people Category:French television presenters Category:French television producers Category:French radio presenters Category:French radio journalists Category:French television journalists Category:French sports journalists Category:French football chairmen and investors Category:Mass media people from Nantes Category:CNews people