Jean-François Kahn, Influential French Journalist and Founder of 'Marianne,' Dies at 86

Kahn was known for his 'revolutionary centrism,' founding prominent publications and challenging political and societal norms.

Jean-François Kahn, a celebrated journalist and founder of 'Marianne' and 'L’Événement du jeudi,' passed away at the age of 86 on January 23, 2025.
His career spanned decades, beginning in the late 1950s, during which he covered major events like the Algerian and Vietnam wars for outlets such as 'Paris Presse,' 'Le Monde,' and 'L’Express.'
Kahn championed a 'revolutionary centrism' ideology, critiquing both left and right political extremes and advocating for free and critical thought.
He led 'Marianne' as director until 2007 and continued to contribute as a columnist until his retirement from journalism in 2011, following a controversy involving the Dominique Strauss-Kahn scandal.
Beyond journalism, he authored numerous political books and remained a vocal critic of media conformity, publishing 'L’Horreur médiatique' in 2014.