Many listeners have written because they can no longer find the new episodes of “Cours de l’histoire” on their usual listening platform. They also praise the choice of topics for the show. In response, Xavier Mauduit, the producer of the show, joins Emmanuelle Daviet on the microphone.
Emmanuelle Daviet: Many listeners contact us because they cannot find the new episodes of “Cours de l’histoire” on the Apple Podcast app. One listener wrote: “I am surprised and saddened to no longer be able to listen to the history course on the Apple Podcast app. Why this editorial choice?” And then another message from a listener: “For what reason do we have to wait a month before being able to listen to the latest episodes of the history course other than with the Radio France app? I have been using iTunes for many years to download and prepare in advance in my personal playlists podcasts from many France Culture shows, including the history course, since its inception and before that, La Fabrique de l’histoire, philosophy shows, science, political and geopolitical news.” So Xavier Mauduit, what explanations can you give them?
Xavier Mauduit: Thank you, Emmanuelle, and thank you to all the listeners who have written in. “Le Cours de l’histoire” is now exclusively available on the Radio France app for new episodes, those less than a month old. Afterwards, they are available on all external platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Deezer, and Spotify. This decision is part of a long-standing process at Radio France. The idea is simple – to listen to old archives or new episodes of the history course, you must go to the Radio France platform. This ensures independence from external platform algorithms. The show is structured in series around a theme with episodes in order, which may not be the case on external platforms where episodes can be mixed up. Additionally, Radio France has a specific lineup curated by our algorithms. Another important point is that “Le Cours de l’histoire” features historians often funded by the State, just like us in public broadcasting, so it’s logical to have the episodes exclusively on the Radio France app.
Emmanuelle Daviet: A listener asked: “You recommend using the Radio France app, but what if there’s no network, what’s the solution?”
Xavier Mauduit: It’s a real issue with listening, but on the Radio France app, there’s no problem. Many people listen to podcasts by downloading them on an external app, then transferring them to an MP3 player for offline listening. With Radio France app, you can download for later listening anywhere. It requires a smartphone with the app, but it allows exploring the rich programs offered. Personally, I find it fascinating because I learn a lot.
Emmanuelle Daviet: Presenting a listener’s message from last week: “Thank you for the four mornings on ancient Greece. It’s a format you do very well. I had followed the four mornings on contemporary Japan and those on Brazil. Congratulations for your skills and work for France Culture listeners.” Xavier Mauduit, why focus on ancient Greece or Antoine de Saint-Exupéry amid Middle East events recently? This counter-programming is interesting. What guides your thematic choices?
Xavier Mauduit: The team at “Cours de l’histoire,” led by Maëwenn Guiziou and Jeanne Delecroix, constantly adapts to listeners’ evolving expectations. Providing historical perspective on current issues is crucial. Our historical research responds to present concerns, making our content relevant. Each week, we delve into a theme to make research accessible to a wider audience. Friday episodes feature artists reflecting on the past, creating a diverse historical program available as podcasts on the Radio France app or live on France Culture.
