Apolline de Malherbe is one of the most prominent faces of television news in France. Present every morning on BFMTV with her show Apolline from 9 to 10, she combines a daily airtime with a notoriety that naturally raises a question: what is her actual salary? The available answers are more unclear than one might think.
Why figures on TV journalists’ salaries remain opaque
Unlike executives of publicly traded companies, news channel presenters have no obligation to disclose their salaries. BFMTV, a subsidiary of the Altice group and now under new ownership, does not disclose the individual salaries of its hosts.
This ambiguity fuels unverified estimates circulating online. Websites compile broad ranges, often without mentioning their calculation methods. As a result, the amounts suggested vary significantly from one article to another, with no contractual documents to confirm them.
To better understand the estimates circulating about Apolline de Malherbe’s salary, one must first grasp how remuneration is structured in this sector.
Salary of a BFMTV presenter: the criteria that matter
Are you wondering how the salary of a daily show presenter on a continuous news channel is determined? Several parameters come into play, and they are not limited to the audience.
- The daily airtime: hosting a full hour every morning involves heavy editorial preparation, including briefings, guest selection, and editorial coordination. The longer and more recurring the slot, the more the remuneration reflects this burden.
- Editorial responsibility: a presenter who carries the name of the show (Apolline from 9 to 10, Apolline Morning) engages the editorial line of the channel. This role as a “brand” is negotiated differently than a simple segment.
- Seniority and notoriety: Apolline de Malherbe has been part of the media landscape for over fifteen years. This longevity provides leverage in negotiations with management.
- The competitive market: CNews, LCI, France Info compete for the same profiles. A channel’s ability to retain its talents also depends on what the competition offers.
These criteria explain why two presenters on the same channel can have very different salaries. The case of Apolline de Malherbe / Jean-Jacques Bourdin has publicly illustrated this.
Apolline de Malherbe vs. Jean-Jacques Bourdin: a salary gap confirmed by the interested party
One of the few public elements on this subject comes from Apolline de Malherbe herself. When she succeeded Jean-Jacques Bourdin in the morning slot on RMC/BFMTV, the question of equal pay arose openly.
According to information reported by several media outlets, her salary is said to be lower than that of her predecessor. Apolline de Malherbe is said to have expressed her dissatisfaction on this matter. The word “sorry” was picked up by the tabloid press to describe her reaction.
Why this gap? Several hypotheses intersect. Jean-Jacques Bourdin had considerable seniority at RMC and a contract negotiated at a time when the channel was trying to establish itself against historical competitors. Market conditions at the time of signing a contract weigh as heavily as individual talent.
The salary gap between men and women in the media remains a structural issue, not an isolated case. Individual negotiations often occur without a transparent grid, making comparisons difficult, even within the same newsroom.
Apolline de Malherbe’s income beyond her BFMTV salary
Reducing a media personality’s income to just their monthly salary gives an incomplete picture. Several supplementary income sources exist for journalists of this level of notoriety.
External engagements represent a first lever. Conferences, moderating debates, attending professional events: these services are paid and can represent a significant supplement. No precise amount is available in the case of Apolline de Malherbe.
Writing books represents another avenue. Apolline de Malherbe has published works related to politics, a field she has covered since the beginning of her career. Royalties on a political essay remain modest compared to fiction bestsellers, but they contribute to building an intellectual and financial legacy.
Finally, presence on social media generates indirect value. Strong online visibility enhances negotiating power with the employer, even if it does not directly translate into advertising revenue for a journalist who is expected to maintain a certain reserve.
BFMTV schedule in 2026: what the programming reveals
The 2026 fall schedule of BFMTV confirms that Apolline de Malherbe retains a central place. Episodes of Apolline from 9 to 10 were broadcast on September 14, 16, 17, and 18, 2026, according to the RMC+ replay pages.
This continuity in programming signals an active contract and an editorial value recognized by the channel. A presenter whose show bears their first name is not easily replaced. The “Apolline” brand is part of the identity of BFMTV’s morning slot.
Maintaining a daily show over several consecutive seasons also suggests contractual stability. Salary renegotiations typically occur at each renewal, with a power dynamic that evolves based on audience ratings and the channel’s competitive positioning.
In the absence of public contractual data, Apolline de Malherbe’s exact salary remains an estimate. What is documented is an acknowledged gap with her predecessor, a daily exposure maintained in 2026, and an editorial positioning that provides her with real negotiating leverage. The rest is speculation, which estimation sites perpetuate without ever citing their sources.
