Dorothée Barba Champions Positive Journalism on France Inter
The host of 'Carnets de Campagne' highlights sustainable initiatives and community solutions across France.
Since taking over as host of 'Carnets de Campagne' in 2022, Dorothée Barba has aimed to spotlight sustainable initiatives and positive community actions throughout France.
The program, a midday segment on France Inter, serves as a prelude to the popular game show 'Le Jeu des 1.000 euros' and focuses on individuals and organizations that demonstrate innovative solutions to local challenges.
Barba, who succeeded Philippe Bertrand, emphasizes the importance of showcasing grassroots efforts, stating, "The show has existed for 20 years and is often presented as a journal of positive initiatives or solutions.
We follow the game closely, indicating that when it relocates, we highlight the good things happening in that region."
The program is designed not to shy away from the pressing realities of today's world.
Barba acknowledges the weight of global events, noting, "Like everyone else, I am astounded by the state of the world, but we have just changed the focus.
It's a show that provides hope and inspires engagement." Over time, the show has attracted numerous suggestions while maintaining a commitment to showcasing diverse voices and initiatives across various regions.
Barba states, "The reach of France Inter is immense.
We have a daily audience of 1.7 million listeners.
It’s a real responsibility to feature an initiative, providing momentum, visibility, and credibility to these projects."
Barba, who has been impressed by the creativity and dedication of individuals during their spare time, notes particular examples of community innovation, including an initiative where a woman has installed a portable shower for the homeless to help restore dignity and self-esteem.
She also highlights significant figures encountered through the program, such as Julien Tuffery from Jeans Tuffery in Lozère, an enterprise that embodies the 'made in France' ethos.
With changing global circumstances, the relevance of the program has increased.
Barba expresses admiration for the collaborative spirit among community members who come together to create meaningful projects.
Recent developments in the show include introducing a video format to broaden its audience and organizing live broadcasts in various locations, such as Toulouse and Vosges.
Barba reflects, "It’s crucial to take this sidestep and meet people to appreciate the beauty of our territories and local initiatives." One memorable story was the report on Maïoun, a safe space for the LGBT+ community in Nice, which left a lasting impression on her.
'Carnets de Campagne' airs weekdays at 12:30 PM on France Inter.