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Paul Amar, do you know him? Born on January 11, 1950, in Constantine, French Algeria, this journalist has a dizzying career. At 74, he is still in the media arena even if we see him less on the small screen. Oh, and he is about 1.75m tall, just to picture the character.
He spent his childhood in Algeria until 1961 when his repatriated family settled near Lyon. But what struck me is his uncompromising journey. A graduate of CFJ in 1971, he started at France Inter, went through Phnom-Penh, Washington… In short, he explored the world even before becoming a familiar face.
You know, Paul Amar is a bit like that referee in the TV ring. Often at the head of news programs, but also sometimes explosive debates. The famous episode where he brandished boxing gloves at Le Pen and Tapie? That was him. A gesture that cost him his spot on Antenne 2’s “8 PM” news. Honestly, we’re not likely to forget that.
In his private life, he has always played the discretion card. Family man, and, surprise, distant cousin of Enrico Macias. A man who knows how to compartmentalize, even if he has a committed voice on many topics, notably antisemitism, a theme he has never stopped denouncing.
Paul Amar: a journalist with multiple territories and influences
Who is Paul Amar? Above all, a passionate journalist. Originally from Algeria, repatriated to mainland France, he grew up between two worlds. It is this mixture that seems to fuel his uncompromising view of events.
His academic background is solid: graduate of the Centre de formation des journalistes in 1971, he has this traditional foundation but also this appetite for storytelling that led him to leave France Inter to experience major reporting in Phnom Penh or Washington.
Physically, Paul Amar displays a calm stature, about 1.75m. A presence that imposed itself on screens, especially when, in 1990, he took charge of the 19/20 on France 3, then obviously the 8 PM news on France 2 in the 90s.
His private life? It remains a well-kept mystery, even though he is a family father. Tense climates, controversy, shows, politics: Amar always preferred to keep his intimate sphere off camera, which I greatly respect.
A professional career marked by commitment and controversies
In the 70s, Paul Amar arrived with the seriousness of a reporter at France Inter before flying off to war zones and international politics. It’s no coincidence that he became head of the political service at Antenne 2 as early as 1983.
The turning point? This particularly tense debate between Jean-Marie Le Pen and Bernard Tapie in 1994. Paul Amar, on a whim, pulled out two pairs of boxing gloves to defuse the tension. Except that displeased France Télévisions and Jean-Pierre Elkabbach who pushed him out.
After this splashy move, he did not disappear but went to “freer” channels like Paris Première or France 5. He even created thoughtful shows there, with his famous “Recto-Verso” or “Reviewed and corrected” debates. Yeah, he likes to break formats sometimes.
And then he turned to i24News in 2015, where he took new journalists under his wing, although tensions with his colleagues eventually pushed him to leave in 2017. Always that uncompromising character who does not always win unanimous approval.
Some strong and surprising steps in his career
- 🗳️ Head of the political service at Antenne 2, 1983–1989
- 📺 Presenter of the 8 PM news on France 2 in the early 90s
- 🥊 The famous Le Pen/Tapie debate with boxing gloves in 1994
- 🏆 Double recipient of the 7 d’or for “best presenter” and “best cable and satellite show”
- 🌐 Information director at i24News (2015-2017)
- 📻 Presenter on RCJ, Jewish radio since 2021
Portrait of a man discreet in private but politically engaged
Paul Amar is also this discreet man, who has always wanted to separate public and private life. Better to know: he is the father of two children and very attached to this confidentiality, sometimes even sternly facing the media.
Politics? He has had shifts in his positions. Initially hostile to the National Front, he recently changed his mind, notably regarding the violence related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, criticizing Jean-Luc Mélenchon and surprisingly getting closer to Marine Le Pen.
His commitment goes far beyond French politics. Paul Amar has animated and participated in numerous conferences against racism and antisemitism, notably with LICRA and B’nai B’rith. His book “Wounds” testifies to this passion for the fight against hatred.
Some notable commitments in his civil life
- ✊ Fight against antisemitism with LICRA
- 📚 Organizing trips to Israel via the magazine Passages
- 🎤 Leading conferences and debates on racism and integration
- 👥 Support for the association “La Chance aux concours” for diversity in the media
- 📰 Member of the strategic council of the think tank “Open de la Presse”
Paul Amar in 2025: what is he really up to?
Does that surprise you? Even at 74, the journalist hasn’t retired. Since 2021, he hosts “Le Grand rendez-vous” on RCJ radio. We also hear his voice regularly on CNews where he doesn’t mince his words, especially on Jean-Luc Mélenchon and tensions related to the Middle East.
Despite a rollercoaster career, he has become a kind of reference, a veteran who is not afraid to face storms. He remains respected, even feared, as his frankness can sometimes annoy.
The question now: what will the next chapter be? You can already read his positions in several media including Le Figaro or Gala, where he still embodies this figure of the thoughtful and polemical journalist.
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He was born on January 11, 1950, in Constantine, French Algeria.
Why did Paul Amar resign from France 2 in 1994?
He caused a controversy by brandishing boxing gloves during a debate between Jean-Marie Le Pen and Bernard Tapie, a gesture badly seen by the management.
What are the main channels where Paul Amar worked?
France Inter, Antenne 2, France 3, Paris Première, France 5, i24News, and RCJ radio.
Is he engaged in social causes?
Yes, notably in the fight against racism and antisemitism with LICRA and other associations.
What does Paul Amar do nowadays?
In 2025, he hosts a program on RCJ and regularly appears on CNews with often sharp positions.
