Jean-Marc Sylvestre, a historical figure in economic journalism on French television, died on Monday at the age of 79, following a long illness. The announcement of his death was made public on Tuesday by Jean-Sébastien Ferjou, editor-in-chief of Atlantico, where the journalist still regularly published his editorials.
Nearly 20 years explaining the economy on TF1 and LCI
Born on October 29, 1946, in Alençon, Jean-Marc Sylvestre studied economics before earning a doctorate from Paris-Dauphine University. After teaching at the University of Caen, he chose journalism and joined the magazine The Expansion in 1973.
He then worked for several business publications, including Management, French Life et The New Economist, where he had become deputy editor-in-chief. He had also headed the economics department of the Paris Daily before appearing on television.
After experiences on La Cinq and France 3, Jean-Marc Sylvestre joined TF1 in the early 1990s. There he became head of the economic and social department, then deputy director of information for TF1 and LCI, in charge of economic and social issues.
For nearly 20 years, his face and voice were familiar to the group's viewers. He notably presented decision maker et The Economics Club on LCI. On TF1, he co-hosted with Nicolas Beytout. Company Meetings, program later renamed Behind the Scenes of the Economy.
A daily voice on France Inter
Jean-Marc Sylvestre also held an important position in radio. For many years, he had a regular economics segment on France Inter's morning show. Every Friday, he debated with Bernard Maris, an economist and columnist. Charlie Hebdo, in exchanges that regularly contrasted their conceptions of the economy.
His direct manner, his commitment to economic liberalism, and his sometimes outspoken positions had made him an immediately recognizable figure. He publicly stood by his convictions and defended an economy based on enterprise, competition, and freedom of enterprise.
A departure from TF1 followed by an arrival on i-Télé
In the summer of 2010, Jean-Marc Sylvestre left TF1 and LCI to join i-Télé. There, he notably presented The Keys to the Eco, a program dedicated to businesses, finance and economic decisions directly affecting the French.
He then continued his work through columns, conferences, and specialized programs. An editorialist for Atlantico, he also worked for BFM Business, RT France, and B Smart, where he notably hosted a program. Smart SMEsHe had also worked as a columnist in Do not touch My TV !.
Until recently, he continued to comment on economic news, government choices, business transformations, and the financial consequences of international crises.
His public battle against prostate cancer
Jean-Marc Sylvestre had revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage in the early 2000s. After an operation, he decided to speak frankly about the physical and personal consequences of the disease.
In 2021, he had published All is not lost!In his book, he recounted his diagnosis, treatment, and the after-effects of the surgery. He particularly wanted to encourage men to get screened and denounced the silence still surrounding prostate cancer, urinary problems, and sexual difficulties caused by certain treatments.
The precise medical circumstances of his death have not been detailed. Only a long illness was mentioned when his passing was announced.
"The antithesis of death"
In his tribute, Jean-Sébastien Ferjou paid homage to a journalist with whom he had collaborated for several years. "Jean-Marc Sylvestre has passed away, and these words are difficult to write, because he was a dear friend, but even more so because he was the antithesis of death."he wrote.
With the passing of Jean-Marc Sylvestre, French journalism loses one of its best-known economic experts. During his more than 50-year career, he worked in print media, radio, and television, while maintaining a direct style and a rarely conciliatory tone.
