With a degree in
journalism, Giesbert debuted on the literary page of the regional daily newspaper Paris-Normandie.[5] In 1971, he joined Le Nouvel Observateur as a journalist in the political department and then became a senior reporter. In 1985, Giesbert became the editorial director of the Nouvel Observateur.[5]
In 1997, Giesbert hosted the
cable television weekly literary program Le Gai Savoir (The Cheerful Knowledge) broadcast on
Paris Première.[7] In recognition for his work with Le Gai Savoir, he received the Prix Richelieu from the Defense of the French language association, which rewards journalists for the quality of their language.[8]
From 1998 to 2000, Giesbert was editorial director of Le Figaro.[5][9]
Giesbert was
chief executive officer of Le Point from 2000 until 18 January 2014; he remained an adviser to the magazine, continuing to write editorials and articles.[10][11]
From 2012, he also hosted the monthly show Le Monde d'Après (The World After) featuring several guests discussing current news, broadcast on
France 3.[14]
In 2013, he wrote the scenario of a
documentary about his relationship with the former
president of France: Nicolas Sarkozy, secrets d'une présidence (Nicolas Sarkozy, secrets of a presidency).[15]
In May 2016, Giesbert was awarded the newly created
Récamier Prize for his novel, L'Arracheuse de dents (The puller of teeth).[16]
On 25 March 2023, he was awarded the Prix du livre politique (Political book prize) for his novel entitled Histoire intime de la Ve République: La belle époque (Intimate history of the Fifth Republic: The beautiful era).[17]
In 2021, the pedophile writer
Gabriel Matzneff described Giesbert as an unwavering support.[20] Giesbert was criticized by
Laure Adler for complaining that people didn't speak French at the Marseille train station.[21]
^
abVan de Woestyne, Francis (2 April 2017).
"Etats d'âme avec Franz-Olivier Giesbert: ..." [States of mind with Franz-Olivier Giesbert: "I'm not looking for the love of my colleagues"]. Interview. La Libre Belgique (in French).
Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
^Delberghe, Michel (16 May 2000). "Franz-Olivier Giesbert quitte 'Le Figaro'" [Franz-Olivier Giesbert leaves 'Le Figaro']. Le Monde (in French).
Archived from the original on 23 June 2023. Retrieved 23 June 2023. [the journalist resigned from his position as editorial director, which he had held since September 1998.]
^Gibier, Henri (20 March 2015).
"'FOG' entre les lignes" ['FOG' between the lines]. Les Echos (in French).
Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2023.