A first for France

A black journalist has been chosen to present one of France's most popular TV news programmes. Harry Roselmack, 32, will become the first non-white person to present a prime-time mainstream TV news programme on TF1 when he takes over in July.

I must I'm quite surprised that this has not happened already in France. That's one thing we can be fairly proud about in the UK, with senior newsreaders such as Darren Jordan and of course, Moira. The US are also quite good for this. Even al-Jazeera are employing white people to front prime time programmes, such as Sir David Frost!

About time too, and hopefully the first of many.

I don't understand how "the US are quite good for this". What is "this" exactly? Surely when roles such as this are filled, the best person for the job is hired. I don't give a flying banana what colour the presenter is, as long as they do the job properly.

"This" being what the thread is about. Employment of people from ethnic minorities. Would have thought that be obvious even to you, Phil.

However I agree that the final decision of whether to employ someone or not is whether they are qualified for the possition or not.

But by saying that "the US are good for this" you are implying that somehow they favour people from ethnic minorities. I'm sorry but I don't think it is newsworthy that someone got a job who happened to be black. So what? He's probably the best man for the job. Hopefully, anyway.

If it's not a thread for you, don't reply. If there was a thread about the latest in male knit-wear, I'd find it possible to turn a blind eye.

I'm proud that Harry Roselmack is presenting in our TF1 News Programme, he is a good journalist, and that will change, because before we had only Patrick Poivre d'Arvor, Thomas Hugues, Claire Chazal, Laurence Ferari etc... Also TF1 Will be revamp in April, or September maybe, with New generics, remixed music...

Excuse me? Why is this not a thread for me? Am I not entitled to express the fact that my opinion differs from yours?

What would you rather people replied? "Oh wow, a black man on TV!" All that I'm arguing is that to me, and no doubt to many others, this is not such a big deal.

Great contribution there, Phil. Blue Peter badge is on it's way.

Right back at ya.

I'll add it to the collection, thanks.

I think you over emphasized the fact the newsreader is black. I also don't care what colour a presenter is, it's ridiculous when the media get all excited at things like this, it's patronising to the poor guy. The fact is, if he does a good job, then good luck to him. But I'm not for hiring 'token' presenters just to look PC. It doesn't matter what colour someone is, just that they do the job well. I mean I'm sick of hearing 'the first black...' because aren't they simply human like white people? In this day and age, I can't believe we're still talking in this way.
Anyway, I'm also surprised France hasn't already got somebody who's black on a primetime bulletin. But it's good to see. Bon Chance!

Surprised you didn't give Sir Trev a mention at this point.