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Daniel Bilalian, Icon of French Television, Dies at 78

The former news anchor and head of sports for France Télévisions passed away from an illness, leaving a legacy of four decades in journalism.

Daniel Bilalian
Daniel Bilalian (ici en 2009) ex-présentateur des JT d’Antenne 2 et France 2, est mort mercredi à 78 ans des suites d’une maladie, a annoncé sa famille. Il avait aussi dirigé le service des sports de France Télévisions.
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Overview

  • Daniel Bilalian, a defining figure in French public broadcasting, died on May 14, 2025, at age 78 from a disease, as confirmed by his family to AFP.
  • He began his career in print journalism in 1968 before transitioning to broadcast as a regional correspondent for ORTF and later joining Antenne 2's national news service.
  • Bilalian's investigative reporting on the 1972 Bruay-en-Artois murder case elevated his career, leading to his role as a prominent anchor for the 13h and 20h news on Antenne 2 and France 2.
  • From 2005 to 2016, he directed the sports division at France Télévisions, overseeing major event coverage before retiring at nearly 70 years old.
  • Born in Paris to an Armenian father and a mother from Pas-de-Calais, Bilalian's career reflected his dedication to journalism, earning him recognition as a household name in French media.