Laurent Mathieu Leaves RTBF 7:30 PM News for Radio Role
Laurent Mathieu, one of the most recognizable faces of Belgian public broadcasting, will no longer present the 7:30 PM news bulletin (JT) on RTBF’s La Une channel, the broadcaster confirmed on Monday. The journalist, who joined the flagship evening program in September 2024, will instead take over the political interview segment “L’Invite” on La Première radio, starting August 24.
A New Chapter at La Première
According to RTBF, Mathieu is not leaving the public broadcaster entirely. He will succeed Thomas Gadisseux as host of the 7:45 AM political interview on La Première, working alongside François Heureux, the anchor of the Matin Première morning show. Gadisseux was appointed Director of Information and Sports of RTBF on May 29, 2026, effective June 1.
“Every morning, Laurent Mathieu will immerse his listeners in the essential information of the day: an analytical and uncompromising interview with a public figure or an actor who influences our daily lives,” RTBF said in a statement quoted by La Libre Belgique.
A Career Built on Versatility
Mathieu’s trajectory at RTBF spans more than a decade and a half. Born in 1986 in Charleroi, he earned a master’s in economic sciences from the University of Namur before completing a master’s in journalism at UCLouvain, according to his Wikipedia biography. He joined RTBF in 2009 and worked across multiple programs, including “Au quotidien,” “On n’est pas des pigeons,” and the investigative magazine “Questions à la Une,” which he presented from October 2018 until its deprogramming in December 2019.
He first presented the weekend JT in October 2016, alternating with Julie Morelle and later Mariam Alard, before succeeding François De Brigode at the 7:30 PM weekday bulletin in September 2024, sharing airtime with Nathalie Maleux. His work also includes the documentary series “2030 avec Laurent Mathieu” on Tipik and the podcast “Made in Belgium” on RTBF Auvio.
In an interview with his alma mater, the University of Namur described him as “a news addict” who thrives on the adrenaline of live broadcasting.
Embracing the Challenge
Mathieu expressed enthusiasm for his new role, which represents a significant shift from evening television to early-morning radio. “I am delighted and aware of the challenge of taking over the political interview of the morning show,” he said. “I have always been passionate about politics and rhetoric.”
“The interview exercise is one of the aspects I prefer most in the journalist profession,” Mathieu added. “It’s an exercise without a safety net that requires absolute mastery of the files.” He also noted, with characteristic humor, that he will need to learn to wake up very early—“an exercise in which I can count on the help of my 2-year-old daughter, never short of short nights.”
Thomas Gadisseux, who held the 7:45 AM interview slot since 2017 before his promotion, welcomed the appointment. “It’s a demanding role that requires unwavering rigor, perfect mastery of the files, and involves the entire newsroom,” Gadisseux said, as reported by Paris Match Belgique.
Broader Changes at RTBF
Mathieu’s move comes amid a period of significant organizational transition at RTBF. The broadcaster recently moved to its new Mediasquare headquarters and is navigating leadership changes, including the appointment of Gadisseux as Director of Information and Sports—a process that was not without controversy, as five MR administrators resigned from the RTBF board over governance concerns, as RTBF reported in May.
The selection of Gadisseux followed a four-month process involving an international jury of media experts, according to La Libre Belgique.
What’s Next
The successor to Laurent Mathieu at the 7:30 PM JT alongside Nathalie Maleux has not yet been announced, though RTBF is expected to reveal the name soon, according to DH Les Sports+.
Mathieu’s first day as host of “L’Invite” will be Monday, August 24, at 7:45 AM on La Première. His transition from the flagship evening news to the morning political interview marks a notable shift in the Belgian media landscape, as one of the country’s most prominent broadcasters reshapes its on-air talent for a new era.