M6 News is the primary news division of the French television network M6, recognized for its modern, fast-paced approach to journalism through its flagship bulletins Le 12.45and Le 19.45. As of January 22, 2026, M6 News continues to differentiate itself from traditional broadcasters like TF1 and France 2 by utilizing immersive 3D “augmented reality” studios and a highly scannable, infographic-heavy presentation style. The network’s news strategy in 2026 is heavily integrated with its new streaming platform, M6+, allowing viewers to access live fact-checking, vertical “Stories” formats, and extended investigative reports on-demand. Currently anchored by established journalists such as Xavier de Moulins and Nathalie Renoux, M6 News maintains a significant audience share by focusing on “proximity journalism”—content that directly impacts the daily lives, wallets, and safety of the French public.
2026 Programming: The Daily News Schedule
The M6 News schedule is designed to capture viewers during key transition periods of the day. In 2026, the network has refined these slots to better compete with digital news cycles.
Le 12.45: The Midday Anchor
- Format: A concise 25-minute bulletin focusing on the morning’s breaking news, weather, and consumer-focused segments.
- Key Feature: The “Actu des Réseaux” (Network News) segment, which analyzes viral trends and misinformation circulating on social media.
- 2026 Presenters: Nathalie Renoux typically handles the weekday editions, known for her direct interviewing style and consumer advocacy.
Le 19.45: The Prime-Time Powerhouse
- Format: Often cited as the “most modern news show in Europe,” this evening bulletin uses massive LED screens and 3D graphics to explain complex geopolitical and economic issues.
- Key Feature: Deep-dive “Explainer” segments that break down the evening’s lead story into three digestible points.
- 2026 Presenters: Xavier de Moulins remains the primary face of the evening news during the week, with Ashley Chevalier recently appointed as the lead weekend anchor following a successful 2025 season.
M6+ Integration: News in the Streaming Era
In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Groupe M6 completed its transition from the old 6play service to the more robust M6+. This has radically changed how M6 News is consumed in 2026.
Digital-First Innovations:
- Interactive Fact-Checking: While watching live news on the M6+ app, viewers can click “Info+” pop-ups to see source documents and verified data behind the anchor’s claims.
- Vertical News (M6+ Stories): Recognizing the shift toward mobile consumption, M6 now produces vertical-format news summaries (60 seconds or less) that resemble TikTok or Instagram stories.
- Podcasts and Audio: The newsroom now integrates with RTL (M6’s sister radio station), providing 24/7 audio news feeds and investigative podcasts directly within the M6+ interface.
This digital shift has seen M6+ streaming revenue grow by over 30% in the last year, with news content being the second most-watched category after reality television.
Investigative Magazines and Special Reports
M6 News extends beyond the daily bulletins into high-impact, long-form investigative journalism. These programs are often the highest-rated shows on Sunday evenings.
Enquête Exclusive
- Focus: International reporting, crime, and undercover investigations into subcultures or illicit markets.
- Host: Bernard de La Villardière, who continues to lead the show in 2026 with a focus on global security and shifting geopolitical borders.
66 Minutes
- Focus: A more populist magazine format that follows the latest societal trends, from new “scam” warnings to the luxury lifestyles of influencers.
- 2026 Status: The show has expanded its “66 Minutes: Grand Format” to include more environmentally focused reporting, reflecting the growing French concern over climate impact.
Zone Interdite
- Focus: Deep societal shifts, such as the housing crisis, the evolution of the French family, and healthcare challenges.
- Presenter: Florence de Soultrait is currently the primary host, often facilitating live debates following the documentary airings.
Practical Information: How to Access M6 News
Watching Live and Replay
- Television: M6 is available for free on Channel 6 via TNT (Digital Terrestrial Television) in France.
- Online: Stream live or watch replays for at least 30 days on M6+ (m6plus.m6.fr).
- Cost: The basic M6+ service is free (ad-supported). The M6+ MAX subscription (approx. €5.99/month) allows for ad-free replays and offline downloads.
Interactive Features for 2026
- App Availability: Available on iOS, Android, Smart TVs, and via ISP set-top boxes (Orange, Free, Bouygues, SFR).
- Accessibility: All major news bulletins provide “Sous-titrage” (subtitles) for the hearing impaired and are increasingly utilizing AI-driven audio descriptions.
Seasonal Focus: 2026 World Cup Coverage
As 2026 is a FIFA World Cup year, M6 News has pivoted its evening bulletins to include “Le Journal de la Coupe.” M6 holds the free-to-air rights for 54 matches, including the finals. Expect the 19.45 bulletin to feature live link-ups from the USA, Canada, and Mexico throughout the summer months.
M6 News: The Complete 2026 Guide
As of January 2026, M6 News has successfully navigated the “video-fication” of the media landscape, positioning itself as the most technologically advanced newsroom in France. While Part 1 provided an overview of the daily schedule and streaming integration, Part 2 explores the high-tech “Augmented Reality” (AR) studio, the decorated careers of its primary anchors, and the editorial shift toward “Personality-Led” news in 2026.
The Technology of M6 News Studios
The M6 newsroom in Neuilly-sur-Seine underwent a significant hardware overhaul in late 2025 to keep pace with global broadcast standards. The network is now famous for its “Zero-Physical Set” philosophy, where almost every element the viewer sees is digitally generated in real-time.
Key Innovations for 2026:
- The “Immersive Window”: Using Vizrt AR technology, the studio floor can transform into a 3D map of a conflict zone, a cutaway of a new engine, or a holographic representation of the French National Assembly.
- Real-Time Data Visualization: During economic segments, anchors like Xavier de Moulins interact with floating 3D charts that pull live data from the Bourse de Paris, allowing for instantaneous updates on market shifts.
- Vertical Integration: The studio is equipped with dedicated “mobile-first” cameras that film simultaneously in 9:16 aspect ratio for the M6+ “Stories” feed, ensuring that digital viewers get a bespoke experience rather than a cropped TV feed.
This “heads-up” journalism style is designed to reduce the distance between the anchor and the viewer, making data-heavy stories more accessible to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
Anchor Profile: Xavier de Moulins
Xavier de Moulins remains the undisputed face of the 19.45 as of January 22, 2026. Recently honored with the Insignes de l’ordre des Arts et Lettres in February 2025 by the Ministry of Culture, his career is a rare blend of hard news journalism and literary success.
Career Milestones:
- M6 Tenure: He has anchored the evening news consistently since July 2010, recently surpassing his 15th anniversary in the role.
- Literary Success: An accomplished author, de Moulins published his 11th novel, La Fin d’un monde, in 2024 to critical acclaim. His writing often informs the empathetic, narrative-driven tone he brings to his news reporting.
- RTL Integration: Since September 2023, he has expanded his reach within Groupe M6 by hosting the podcast Au cœur de la création on RTL, focusing on the creative processes of artists and thinkers.
Anchor Profile: Nathalie Renoux
Nathalie Renoux is the cornerstone of the 12.45 and the network’s weekend coverage. In 2026, she is celebrated as one of the most versatile journalists in France, having transitioned from Bloomberg TV to become a leading voice in French current affairs.
Career Milestones:
- The Multi-Format Expert: Beyond the midday news, Renoux is the primary host of the true-crime magazine Enquêtes criminelles on W9 and often leads “Special Edition” debates on M6.
- Proximity Journalism: She is widely credited with developing the “Consumer Defense” angle of the 12.45, where she frequently interviews experts on inflation, healthcare, and housing rights.
- Advocacy: Renoux has been a patron of the Initiatives-Cœur project since 2014, using her platform to raise awareness for children with heart defects.
Editorial Strategy: The 2026 “Personality” Shift
In 2026, M6 News has pivoted to address the rise of “Creator-Led” news. Rather than fighting against social media influencers, the network has integrated a “Personality-First” approach to its journalism.
Strategic Priorities:
- Distinctiveness: In an era of AI-generated news, M6 emphasizes “boots-on-the-ground” reporting. Its journalists are encouraged to show more of the “making-of” their reports on social media to build authenticity.
- Event Broadcasting: M6 has strengthened its position as a “Big Event” channel. In January 2026, it secured massive viewership (3.4 million viewers) for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Final, sublicensed from BeIN Sports, proving its ability to draw national crowds for major sporting news.
- M6+ Originals: The newsroom now produces high-end “Digital Documentaries” specifically for the M6+ platform, focusing on topics like the “2026 Ketamine Pandemic” and local French gym cultures, targeting specific demographic niches.
FAQs
Which studio technology does M6 News use?
M6 primarily utilizes Vizrt for its augmented reality and Unreal Engine for some of its high-fidelity 3D studio environments.
Is Xavier de Moulins still writing books?
Yes, he is a prolific novelist; his most recent book as of 2026 is La Fin d’un monde (2024).
How many viewers did M6 get for the AFCON 2026 final?
The broadcast on January 18, 2026, attracted 3.4 million viewers, a record for the competition in France.
What happened to the ’66 Minutes’ show?
While Xavier de Moulins left the presentation of 66 Minutes in 2023 to focus on RTL and the 19.45, the show continues on M6 with a revolving team of correspondents.
Does Nathalie Renoux host crime shows? Yes, she is the long-standing host of Enquêtes criminelles on W9, a sister channel of M6.
Where did Xavier de Moulins work before M6?
He worked at Canal+ (Nulle part ailleurs) and Paris Première before joining the M6 news team in 2010.
Can I see 3D graphics on the M6+ app?
Yes, the AR graphics used in the TV broadcast are fully visible in the streaming versions of the bulletins.
Who is the Director of Information at M6 in 2026?
Stéphane Gendarme remains the head of the news division, a role he has held for several years.
What is the ‘Info+’ feature on M6+?
It is an interactive layer on the streaming app that provides source links and deeper data while the news is playing.
Does M6 News cover the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, M6 holds the free-to-air rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and provides daily dedicated segments within the 19.45.
How can I watch M6 News live outside of France?
Watching live from abroad is restricted due to licensing; however, users with a French ISP account or a French mobile number can often access M6+ through a VPN with a French server, though this may violate terms of service.
Who are the main presenters of M6 News in 2026?
The weekday anchors are Xavier de Moulins (19.45) and Nathalie Renoux (12.45). The weekend news is currently led by Ashley Chevalier.
What is M6+?
M6+ is the new streaming service from Groupe M6 that replaced 6play. it offers live TV, replays, and exclusive digital-only news content.
Is the M6 News app free?
Yes, the M6+ app is free to download and watch, though it is supported by advertisements. An ad-free “MAX” version is available for a monthly fee.
Does M6 News have a 24-hour channel?
No, M6 does not have a 24/7 news channel like BFM TV. Instead, it offers 24/7 “FAST” channels on M6+ that loop specific news magazines like Enquête Exclusive.
Where is the M6 News studio located?
The main studios are located in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris, where the network has its headquarters.
How long are the M6 news bulletins?
Le 12.45 usually lasts 25 minutes, while Le 19.45 typically runs for 30 to 35 minutes, including weather and cultural segments.
Can I download M6 News to watch offline?
Offline viewing is available only to M6+ MAX subscribers on mobile devices and tablets.
How does M6 News use augmented reality?
The network uses Vizrt technology to project 3D graphs, maps, and objects into the studio space, allowing anchors to “walk through” data points.
Who is the head of news at M6?
As of 2026, the news division remains under the leadership of the Groupe M6 Executive Board, with Stéphane Gendarme serving as the Director of Information.
Does M6 News cover international stories?
Yes, but with a focus on how those stories impact France. International depth is primarily found in the weekly magazine Enquête Exclusive.
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