Powerful, committed, passionate, the one who had the power to “make and break careers” in the world of Quebec television was also very loyal to her people and a bearer of feminist values. Many wanted to pay tribute to him Monday evening.
“Louise Cousineau could make or break a career, a TV show,” remembers Julie Snyder. The host and producer has always remained close to Mme Cousineau, even after his departure from The Press. The announcement of the columnist’s death Monday evening was a shock for her.
“She was the most powerful woman in the media,” says Julie Snyder on the phone. “At Radio-Canada, they made their decisions based on his columns. »
“It was a monument of Quebec journalism,” agrees Philippe Cantin, former vice-president of information and deputy editor of The Press. “He was also a reference in television: people listened to him, trusted him. »
Louise Cousineau was a born storyteller, a true character, both in her writings and in her life. An extraordinary presence witnessed online by the ex-journalist of The Press and member of Québec solidaire Vincent Marissal Monday evening.
Her slippers in the newsroom, her lit cigarette in her drawer to defy the ban, her scathing humor, her murderous columns, it’s a whole era that leaves with Louise.
Vincent Marissal, former journalist of The Press and solidarity deputy, on
“We were shaking when we had a press conference with her,” M also remembers.me Snyder. We wanted to be sure she would like the buffet! »
Passionate and exciting
Louise Cousineau’s sharp and frank pen was reflected both in her personality and in her relationships. She wasn’t shy about saying what she thought. And she was one of those who took advantage of good things, says Julie Snyder.
“He was someone who truly loved life: eating well, drinking well and smoking. »
“She was the most upright and honest woman I have ever met,” adds her long-time friend Claire Samson, a former MP who made a career in the media. The two met when Mme Samson was a press officer at Radio-Canada. “I said to him: ‘What do you expect from me?’” recalls Mme Samson. And she replied: “Scoops!” »
The two women’s friendship continued for decades. The declining health of Louise Cousineau saddened Mme Samson, who continued to visit her until the end. “I am very saddened to learn of her death, but at the same time, I am relieved for her,” she confided to La Press. Knowing Louise, she wouldn’t have wanted to continue her life in these conditions, that’s for sure. »
Quality work and feminism
In Louise Cousineau’s work, certain values served as guidelines. “She only had one boss, I think, and that’s the public,” says Julie Snyder.
At the same time, the columnist supported the work of women in the world of television, at a time when there were much fewer of them.
The author and screenwriter Sylvie Payette, to whom we owe in particular Rooms in town, highlighted it online Monday evening: “I was lucky that she appreciated my work,” she wrote on X. “I know she was scratchy sometimes, she was passionate. We awaited his criticisms with concern. »
PHOTO ALAIN ROBERGE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Host and producer Julie Snyder
What I remember about her: a feminist woman at a time when it was not fashionable, when we were light years away from the #metoo movement. I remember a powerful woman who supported women.
Host and producer Julie Snyder
Testimonies flooded into social networks on Monday after the announcement of the columnist’s death. Many wanted to highlight his legacy and his larger-than-life personality.
“I loved you because you were frank, head-on, no bowing, no straightness, true, biting, tender, witty and a great love of life,” the minister and ex was moved by -journalist Bernard Drainville.
“She defined the critical space of television with audacity, righteousness, humor and an acute sensitivity to the nature of the media,” also analyzed Bruno Boutot, journalist and consultant, on the same platform.
The author and director Stéphane Laporte concluded his tribute with a wink: “Peace to his soul. If ever eternal life is flat, God will be told so! »