Yesterday, during her hearing before the parliamentary inquiry committee on public broadcasting , journalist Élise Lucet , a prominent figure at France Télévisions and host of Cash Investigation and Envoyé Spécial , found herself at the center of a tense situation. Known for her investigative work and her moral stances on transparency, Lucet refused to disclose the exact amount of her own salary, despite repeated requests from the rapporteur, MP Charles Alloncle.
When repeatedly questioned about her salary, Élise Lucet responded cautiously each time: "I truly feel I've already answered your question ." She confirmed that she was "very well paid" and that her compensation was "substantial ," but she declined to publicly disclose the amount. The journalist explained that this figure had been provided by France Télévisions to the member of parliament and would be included in the final report of the parliamentary inquiry , which will feature a ranking of the highest salaries in public broadcasting.
Awkward moment: Élise Lucet claims her salary is deserved but refuses to disclose it
In her remarks, Élise Lucet was careful to explain the context of her salary. With 42 years of experience , she justified her salary by citing her expertise, her on-air presence, and her responsibilities as editor-in-chief of investigative programs at France Télévisions. She also emphasized that her compensation is "audited by a state auditor under the Ministry of the Economy and Finance."
MP Charles Alloncle expressed his frustration at this refusal to provide a direct figure, but announced that he would include the exact data in the commission's report and mentioned a "top 10" or "top 20" of salaries to allow the public to get an idea.
It is rather surprising that Élise Lucet, so quick to defend morality and transparency, refuses to disclose her salary amidst the financial crisis and abuses plaguing public broadcasting. Some sources have indicated that the journalist earns around €25,000 per month, a figure that remains to be confirmed.
