As J.P. Philippot's current term expires on 17 February 2026, the RTBF Board of Directors had appointed, on 17 July 2025, a panel of 4 experts tasked with carrying out the end-of-term evaluation of the Director-General, an evaluation which their report has since rated “more than favourable”. Nevertheless, Jean-Paul Philippot informed the Minister for Media, this Thursday 13 November, of his decision not to seek a new term at the head of the public company. As a result, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation officially asked the RTBF Board of Directors today to launch the procedure for appointing the new Director-General of RTBF and, in particular, to submit, within the month, as planned, a draft mission letter and job profile. Jean-Paul Philippot will serve as interim until 31 October 2026.
What does the legislation provide?
Article 17 of RTBF's organic decree provides that the Director-General is evaluated, at mid-term and at the end of the term, by a panel of four external experts appointed by the Board of Directors.
If the end-of-term evaluation is favourable, the Government may renew the outgoing Director-General's term without launching an appointment procedure.
An unfavourable evaluation, on the other hand, leads to a reasoned deliberation by the Government on whether to retain or dismiss the individual from their position as Director-General.
The end-of-term evaluation of Jean-Paul Philippot's fourth term, carried out by Ms Marie-Philippe BOUCHARD, President and CEO of CBC/Radio Canada, Mr Jean-Philippe DE TENDER, Deputy Director-General of the European Broadcasting Union, Ms Sibyle VEIL, President and CEO of Radio France, and Ms Dominique Leroy, CEO Europe of Deutsche Telekom, was rated “more than favourable”.
Jean-Paul Philippot not standing for a fifth term
This Thursday, 13 November, Jean-Paul Philippot informed the Media Minister of his wish not to stand for renewal of his term.
As a result, the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation asked the RTBF Board of Directors this Friday to formalise the launch of the procedure for appointing the new Director-General, in particular by sending, within the month, the job profile and mission letter of the next Director-General.
Jean-Paul Philippot will serve as interim until 31 October 2026.
“Jean-Paul Philippot has been a quality manager. From the outset, he was able to take bold decisions to steer the RTBF ship back on course. The Government of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation wishes to commend his commitment and his career. In an ever-changing media landscape, RTBF will need to keep reinventing itself. The future Director-General will need to demonstrate strong strategic vision and a solid capacity to adapt to change,” said Media Minister Jacqueline Galant.