France 5 will air "Mécaniques du journalisme," a documentary series highlighting major journalistic investigations, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. The series explores the inner workings of high-profile news stories and the role of investigative journalism in revealing truths. The first episode will focus on "the Cahuzac affair," a political scandal that shook France in the early 2010s. This episode is narrated from the inside by Fabrice Arfi, a journalist from Mediapart, an online news outlet known for its in-depth reporting and investigative work. The Cahuzac affair involved Xavier de Cahuzac, a former French minister, who was implicated in tax fraud and money laundering. The scandal led to widespread public outrage and played a significant role in the political landscape of the time. Fabrice Arfi’s account provides a behind-the-scenes look at how Mediapart uncovered the story and the impact it had on French politics and media. Following the Cahuzac episode, another installment of the series will focus on "the Bygmalion affair," another major political scandal involving French President François Hollande’s campaign financing. This case raised questions about the transparency of political funding and the role of media in scrutinizing political practices. The documentary will explore the investigative process that led to the exposure of these irregularities. "Mécaniques du journalisme" aims to highlight the challenges and responsibilities of investigative journalism in modern society. By examining these two significant cases, the series offers viewers a deeper understanding of the forces that shape public discourse and the importance of a free press in holding power to account.