France Télévisions hires Couture as Got takes over at France 2

Xavier Couture

France Télévisions has appointed former TF1, Canal+ and Orange content boss Xavier Couture as deputy programming and strategy chief, replacing Caroline Got, who is taking over as head of flagship channel France 2.

The news comes soon after the surprise sacking of Vincent Meslet  earlier this week. He was fired as France 2 suffered a drastic ratings decline and Meslet had clashed with management over the direction of the channel.

Got, a former TF1 executive, had taken the top job on an interim basis and has now been confirmed as executive director, making her the full-time channel boss.

Couture, formerly of Orange and Canal+, will be managing director, strategy and programming, He will report to France Télévisions’ chief executive Delphine Ernotte-Cunci.

Last year he denied he was set for a role at France Télévisions and his new role marks the first time the French media veteran has worked in public service broadcasting.