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Paul Amar: a major voice in French journalism
Paul Amar represents a whole segment of journalism known for decades, a face that has marked millions of TV viewers. Born on January 11, 1950, in Constantine, Algeria, he is now 74 years old, with a wealth of rare experiences and a full career behind him.
His journey, frankly, sets up a guy who never gives up. From a childhood spent in a war-torn Algeria to his arrival in Lyon in 1961, it’s the kind of story that hooks you immediately. He had to juggle hardships and ambitions, selling sweaters to finance his studies in Paris, just that.
Graduating in 1971, starting with radio at France Inter, followed by immersion in hot zones like Cambodia. This shapes a journalist with a true pen. Then television, where he moved from simple reporter to head of the political department, and there, a big highlight, presenting the 8 PM news.
I must admit that his handling of the Le Pen-Tapie shock in 1994, with the boxing gloves stunt, remains one of the wildest moments on TV. Crazy or not, it cost him his job, but not his name or aura.
The identity and roots of a sharp-eyed journalist
Paul Amar, of Algerian origin, grew up in a heavy atmosphere, between the Algerian war and attacks. A dramatic event marked him to the point that his parents decided to move to Lyon in 1961. This shaken childhood clearly forged his keen view of the realities of the world.
I find there’s a real duality in what he represents: a man deeply attached to his roots, while being a pillar of the major French press, somewhat of a challenger too, which is part of his charm.
The start of a career marked by tenacity
Before becoming an essential figure on TV, Paul Amar, when younger, worked hard. Selling sweaters to pay for his studies, I don’t know about you, but that resonates with me. After journalism school in 1971, he didn’t sit idle, especially as a war correspondent in Cambodia.
Imagine, this young man from the Lyon area arriving in Asia, right in the middle of a war… His dynamism and thirst for information quickly made him indispensable in French media, going back and forth between radio and television, notably on France 2.
Highlights of a career in the spotlight
Paul Amar is not just any journalist. His stint at France 2, heading the political department, then presenting the 8 PM news in the 90s, established him as a respected figure. But it was that famous debate in 1994 which remains his most memorable moment, where he offered boxing gloves to Le Pen and Tapie.
Well, for the channel, it was the last straw, and he had to leave his post. But he didn’t give up and continued on other networks, including Paris Première, France 5, and i24News, where he became director of information in 2016. The career goes on, always.
The private life of a man away from the spotlight
What’s surprising about Paul Amar is his discretion about his private life. Married, father of a family, he keeps all that far from the cameras. A true boundary between public and private. I find that quite admirable when you see how some make everything public.
He is also a distant cousin of Enrico Macias, that I did not expect! Despite his fame, he resists media pressure, which allows him to keep a normal life, a rare luxury in this industry.
Remarkable anecdotes and recent projects
A little funny thing: after the boxing gloves stunt in ’94, he said on RTL that he led that debate in “kamikaze” mode. Incredible! You don’t see many personalities like that. For several years now, he remains active, publishing books and still hosting debates on TV or i24News.
His recent collaborations include exchanges with journalists like Éric Dussart, among others, perpetuating the spirit of exchange and journalistic battle that characterizes him.
An awarded career and a respected figure
In fact, Paul Amar has accumulated many awards highlighting the quality of his work. Between the 7 d’Or awards and Itheme prizes, he took them all, especially in the 90s and early 2000s. Just that shows his aura goes beyond just being on screen.
This journalist is respected for his commitment, his frankness, but also for his incredible fortune built on a solid career and an inimitable style. Even if not everyone always followed his choices, he remains a reference.
- 🏆 7 d’Or for best presenter (1992, 2000)
- 📚 Roberval Prize for his book on democracy (1989)
- 🎥 Itheme Prize for several shows
- 🎙️ Director of information at i24News since 2016
Going through this history, I think his age also makes all the difference: 74 years old, but energy still intact, it’s impressive. He keeps bringing a different light to current events, always curious and always relevant.
As for his height, physically, he is a man with a strong presence, even if he is not the type to try to impress by his physique, his word counts, and that has always been enough for him.
A journalist who has adapted to the evolution of the media
If you look closely, Paul Amar is also capable of reinventing himself, easily moving from radio to television, to production and even to directing information. This kind of career, I think it deserves some attention.
Moreover, still young in his approach, he doesn’t rest on his laurels. This refusal of media comfort may explain his longevity and the respect he still commands within the profession. Clearly, he has kept that little grain of madness.
When you talk about Paul Amar, you talk about authenticity
Honestly, what stands out is a man who doesn’t try to pamper his audience, nor fit the mold. I admit that’s rare, and it contributes to his symbolic as well as financial fortune. This authenticity is precious for a journalist.
He remains a perfect example of what a professional should be: committed but humble, present but discreet, always ready to speak out when needed.
A presence still current in the media landscape
Whether through his appearances on different channels or his interventions in debates, Paul Amar remains a well-known and respected figure by the general public. He is also very followed on the web, proof that despite time, he maintains a real connection.
His private life remains both a mystery and a refuge that he fiercely protects, which, in these times of overexposure, commands respect. A man who knows where to set the limits, we would like to see more of those!
Discover the legacy of Paul Amar in French journalism
More about Paul Amar on Wikipedia
A complete portrait on Ojim
His discreet family revealed
Paul Amar, what is he doing now?
