In mid-November, you told AFP that “Mieux” would be a channel dedicated to health “in a broad sense.” What does that mean concretely?
“Mieux” will not be a medical channel, but will address health through a global lens: physical health, well-being, prevention, and interactions with the environment and animals (“One Health”).
The Covid crisis made us realize that mortality particularly affected people who were overweight or suffering from chronic diseases, most of which are preventable. Behind the simple phrase “Take care of yourself” lies a reality: taking better care of your health can prevent many hospitalizations or medical consultations. This is the vision we will carry with “Mieux.”
What need does “Mieux” respond to?
“Mieux” will be the first channel in France dedicated to a public health mission. Medical information is too scarce on television, while the rise of fake news, especially in medicine, has increased public mistrust.
“Mieux” aims to fill the glaring lack of health information on television. Our channel will rely exclusively on scientific data. And I can assure you that if “Mieux” had existed during the pandemic, no matter the cost in terms of audience, we would never have tolerated a figure like Didier Raoult speaking on our airwaves.
Who is your target audience?
Everyone is concerned, not just those over 60. We will offer programs hosted by familiar faces, but also young presenters to raise awareness among new generations.
There will also be a show about animals, covering both their benefits for our health and diseases transmissible to humans (“zoonoses”). “Mieux” will also include games about medical culture with a touch of humor. Because you can certainly talk about medicine with a smile, as we proved for years with Le Magazine de la santé.
You promised to be careful with advertisers and say no advertising will air without your approval. What are your selection criteria?
As with Dr. Good, the health magazine I launched in 2017, no ad or partnership will be approved without my consent. I have already refused major advertisers because they did not meet the ethical and editorial scientific standards of Dr. Good. On “Mieux,” it would be unthinkable to broadcast ads for sodas while we warn about their sugar content and the risk of diabetes they cause. That would be an editorial mistake that would immediately discredit us.
Among the channel’s economic pillars is content production with sponsorships. What will be your guidelines regarding laboratories?
I am not dogmatic: laboratories are not pariahs. Without them, we would not have medicines. However, we will never allow them to advertise a medication directly, especially if it requires a prescription. Laboratories do have foundations or structures dedicated to public health. If they want to fund an awareness campaign about the importance of the HPV vaccine, that would not bother me as long as the approach remains of general interest and does not promote their own product.
Are you afraid this could affect the public’s trust in the channel’s independence?
No, because I have been consistent for years. Dr. Good works very well despite our partnerships with advertisers. After 35 years of communication and health education, I dare hope I have gained enough credibility to dispel doubts about my integrity.
What diversification plans do you have for “Mieux”?
Launching a channel without diversification would be a mistake. To reach young people, we will focus on social networks. And to engage directly with the public, we will try to replicate the success of the conferences I hosted for years. We want to organize a tour of France with conferences, where I will be accompanied by experts to discuss with the public. A kind of big consultation, but of course without specific cases!
If “Mieux” is a mission of health and public utility, why not get closer to the public service?
The idea for “Mieux” was born with my brother, with whom I had already launched Dr. Good. For now, the project is entirely private, but we are in contact with all relevant bodies and media. We have met with all the public health actors (CNAM, Santé Publique France, Ministry, Mutuality), they are all very interested in our approach and we hope to set up partnerships with them to help the French take care of themselves.
Do you have a launch date?
Our goal is to launch the channel in June!
By Alix Fortin
