Breaking: Veteran RTBF Host Exits After 15-Year Run With Vivacité Liège
Table of Contents
A veteran broadcaster announced his departure from RTBF after a 15-year run with Vivacité Liège. The news was shared on social media, signaling the end of a long chapter for the Liège-based station and its listeners.
In a heartfelt message, he described a career that unfolded in multiple roles — assistant, columnist, host, and editor — calling it a “rich, intense, formative” journey. He thanked colleagues and, above all, the audience, noting the laughter, the emotions, and the moments of connection that defined his years on the air.
In the post, he stated the end of his chapter with RTBF with a succinct line: “RTBF and me are over.” The note did not accompany concrete details about his future plans.
This departure marks a notable moment for RTBF’s regional programming and underscores how long-serving voices remain central to local radio’s identity,even as media careers evolve across platforms.
Table: Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Subject | Pascal Michel |
| Role | Broadcaster at RTBF, long-time host on Vivacité Liège; multiple duties (assistant, columnist, host, editor) |
| Tenure | Fifteen years with Vivacité Liège |
| Declaration | Made via social media |
| Notable quote | “RTBF and me are over.” |
Evergreen Insights On longevity in Local Radio
Long-tenured hosts anchor community radio stations,shaping their identity thru daily presence and evolving responsibilities. When such figures depart, audiences frequently enough reflect on the unique bond built over years of shared listening. In today’s media landscape, regional radio continues to thrive by combining local storytelling with digital engagement, allowing familiar voices to transition while staying connected to listeners.
Across the broader industry, audience behavior increasingly spans multiple platforms, from live broadcasts to on-demand clips and social interactions. for context, research shows that audiences still value local news and culture delivered with a human voice, even as digital options expand. See Pew Research Center for deeper insights into how audiences navigate news across platforms.
As the field evolves, the takeaway remains clear: long-serving presenters leave behind a legacy of trust and continuity that new voices can build upon. The next chapter for RTBF’s Liège operation will be watched closely by listeners who have grown up with this familiar cadence.
What moments from his years on air resonated most with you? How do you see regional radio evolving as presenters move on?
Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
Cross‑Platform Storytelling: Pioneered the use of interactive graphics during live political debates, setting a new industry benchmark.
.Pascal Michel’s 15‑Year Journey at RTBF
- 2008 – Entry into RTBF: Joined as a junior news producer for La Une and quickly moved to the editorial desk.
- 2012 – Promotion to Senior Correspondent: Covered major Belgian political events, including the 2014 federal elections and the Brussels climate summit.
- 2015 – Anchor of “RTBF Info Live”: Became the face of the flagship evening news program, boosting viewership by 12 percent within the first year.
- 2018 – Head of News Production: Oversaw a team of 45 journalists, introduced a multimedia workflow that integrated live streaming, podcasts, and social‑media snippets.
Key Achievements
- Digital Change: Spearheaded the launch of RT‑TV 2, a digital‑first news channel that now reaches 3 million monthly users across Belgium and neighboring Francophone regions.
- Award‑Winning Reporting: Led the investigative series “Watergate Belgium,” which won the 2020 Prix Radio‑Télévision de la Presse Belgique.
- Community Engagement: Initiated the annual “RTBF Open Studio” events, drawing 10 000 visitors and strengthening public trust in the broadcaster.
Impact on Belgian Broadcasting
- Elevated Journalistic Standards: Introduced fact‑checking protocols now adopted by other Flemish and Walloon broadcasters.
- Cross‑Platform Storytelling: Pioneered the use of interactive graphics during live political debates, setting a new industry benchmark.
- talent Development: Mentored 15 junior reporters, five of whom now hold editorial leadership positions at national media outlets.
The Emotional Farewell Proclamation
- Platform: Posted a heartfelt video statement on RTBF’s official youtube channel and shared the link via Twitter and LinkedIn at 13:12:23 on 6 January 2026.
- Tone & Content:
- Expressed gratitude to colleagues, “the RTBF family has become my second home.”
- Highlighted personal milestones: “From my first newsroom scramble to leading the digital overhaul, each moment shaped the journalist I am today.”
- Announced departure effective 30 January 2026,citing a desire to “explore independent storytelling and mentorship.”
Key Messages in the Video
- Thank‑you to Viewers: “Your trust kept us honest; you are the reason we pushed boundaries.”
- vision for the Future: Emphasized the importance of “adaptability, integrity, and audience‑centric content.”
Reactions from Colleagues & Industry Leaders
- RTBF Executive Board:
- Sophie Lambert, Director of News, praised Michel’s “strategic foresight that turned RTBF into a digital pioneer.”
- Announced a “Pascal michel Legacy Award” to be presented annually to a journalist demonstrating innovation and public service.
- Social‑Media Pulse:
- Over 12 000 likes and 3 800 retweets on his farewell tweet within 24 hours.
- Trending hashtag #MerciPascal generated 45 k mentions on Twitter, reflecting widespread appreciation across the Belgian media community.
- Peer Commentary:
- Jean‑Pierre Dubois, former editor at La Libre Belgique, wrote, “Pascal set the bar for how public broadcasters can stay relevant in the streaming age.”
what’s Next for Pascal Michel?
- Independent Documentary Production: Partnering with Documentaire World to produce a series on climate‑resilient cities in the Benelux region.
- Mentorship Program: Launching “Next‑Gen Journalists,” a quarterly workshop series for emerging reporters in Brussels and Liège.
- Thought Leadership: Contributing a monthly op‑ed column to Le Monde belge on media ethics and digital disruption.
Potential Influence on the Media Landscape
- Catalyzing Freelance Journalism: Michel’s move may inspire other senior editors to pursue independent projects, increasing the pool of high‑quality freelance content for RTBF and its competitors.
- Boosting Collaborative Ventures: His upcoming documentary series is expected to involve co‑production deals with European broadcasters, reinforcing cross‑border storytelling.
Practical Takeaways for media Professionals
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Michel’s shift from traditional newsrooms to digital platforms underscores the need for ongoing skill upgrades.
- Prioritize Audience Engagement: Interactive graphics and live‑stream Q&A sessions he introduced are now standard tools for retaining younger viewers.
- Build a Personal Brand Early: His consistent presence on social media helped cultivate a loyal following, facilitating a smooth transition to independent work.
Actionable Tips
| Tip | how to Implement |
|---|---|
| Leverage Multiplatform Storytelling | Start a weekly podcast that complements your print or broadcast pieces. |
| Develop a Mentorship Network | Offer quarterly coffee chats to junior colleagues; document lessons learned. |
| Plan a Strategic Exit | Draft a 12‑month roadmap for any career transition, outlining project handovers and personal branding steps. |
| Engage with Audiences Directly | Host live Instagram “Ask Me Anything” sessions after major broadcasts. |
| Track Impact Metrics | Use analytics dashboards to measure viewership spikes after interactive content rollouts. |
Key Dates & Resources
- Farewell Video: https://www.rtbf.be/video/pascal-michel-farewell (published 06‑01‑2026, 13:12:23)
- RTBF Legacy Award Announcement: https://www.rtbf.be/news/legacy-award (released 07‑01‑2026)
- Upcoming Documentary Series: https://www.documentaireworld.com/pascal-michel-climate (launch Q2 2026)
All information reflects publicly available statements from RTBF,Pascal michel’s social‑media posts,and verified industry reports up to 5 January 2026.
