Marguerite Delacroix
 Who's Who of Nouvelle Alexandrie | |
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| Marguerite Delacroix | |
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| Commander of the Grand Order of the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie (1720 AN - ) | |
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| Full Name | Marguerite Céleste Delacroix |
| Birth Date | 15.III.1675 AN |
| Parents | Jacques Delacroix (father), Marie-Claire Dubois (mother) |
| Spouse | Henri Beaumont (m. 1702 AN; div. 1718 AN) |
| Children | Sophie Beaumont (b. 1704 AN), Alexandre Beaumont (b. 1707 AN) |
| Occupation | Journalist, television host, author |
| Political Affiliation | Independent (non-partisan journalist) |
| City and Region of Residence | Cárdenas, FCD |
| National Origin |  Nouvelle Alexandrie
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| Citizenship(s) | Nouvelle Alexandrie
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| Known For | Pioneering television journalism, investigative reporting, first female prime-time news anchor |
| Associated Organizations | NBC, The Cárdenas Press, Nouvelle Alexandrie Press Freedom Foundation, National Press Club |
Marguerite Céleste Delacroix (born 15.III.1675 AN) is a New Alexandrian journalist, television presenter, and author widely regarded as one of the most influential media figures in the Federation's history. Known for her incisive political interviews and groundbreaking investigative reporting, Delacroix has been a defining voice in New Alexandrian journalism for over four decades.
Born in Punta Santiago to a middle-class family, Delacroix began her career in radio before transitioning to television in the early days of NBC. She gained national prominence for her coverage of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago negotiations and later became the first woman to host a prime-time news program in Nouvelle Alexandrie. Her fearless reporting style and commitment to journalistic integrity have earned her numerous accolades, including the Grand Order of the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie in 1720 AN.
Early life and education
Marguerite Delacroix was born on 15.III.1675 AN in Punta Santiago, Alduria, to Jacques Delacroix, a shipping clerk, and Marie-Claire Dubois, a schoolteacher. The eldest of three children, she displayed an early interest in current events and storytelling. Her parents, both politically engaged citizens, encouraged her curiosity about government and society. Delacroix attended the Punta Santiago Academy for Girls before enrolling at the University of Punta Santiago in 1691 AN. She studied communications and political science, graduating magna cum laude in 1693 AN with a Bachelor of Communications degree. During her university years, she edited the student newspaper and organized the first inter-university debate tournament in Alduria.
Early journalism
Delacroix began her professional career in 1695 AN as a reporter for Radio Punta Santiago, covering local politics and community events. Her natural talent for interviewing and her ability to explain complex political issues in accessible terms quickly distinguished her from her peers. Within two years, she was promoted to political correspondent, covering the Aldurian regional government.
Her breakthrough came during her coverage of the 1698 general elections, the first major federal elections she covered as a political correspondent. Delacroix's in-depth reporting on campaign issues and her exclusive interviews with candidates provided voters with crucial information during this pivotal democratic moment. Her election night coverage was praised for its clarity and impartiality, establishing her reputation as a serious political journalist.
Television pioneer
In 1699 AN, Delacroix joined the newly established NBC as one of its founding journalists. She initially worked as a correspondent before being offered the opportunity to host "Les Nouvelles du Soir" (Evening News), making her the first woman to anchor a prime-time news program in the Federation's history. Her interview style, characterized by thorough preparation and respectful but persistent questioning, set new standards for television journalism. Notable interviews included her 1703 AN conversation with King Manco Cápac and her 1708 AN exclusive with opposition leader Augustus Strong following his electoral defeat.
Investigative journalism
Delacroix established herself as a formidable investigative journalist with her 1705 AN exposé on corruption within the Aldurian regional transportation authority. The investigation, which took eighteen months to complete, revealed a network of kickbacks and fraudulent contracts worth millions of écus. Her reporting led to multiple prosecutions and significant reforms in government contracting procedures.
Her most significant investigative work came during the Spring Crisis of 1739, when her team uncovered evidence of financial support for the coup plotters. The investigation, published in partnership with The Aldurian, revealed connections between the conspirators and external actors seeking to destabilize the Federation. This reporting contributed to the comprehensive reforms implemented after the crisis.
Current work
Today, Delacroix hosts "Dialogue avec Marguerite" (Dialogue with Marguerite), a weekly current affairs program that has become essential viewing for political figures and informed citizens alike. The program, broadcast on NBC since 1720 AN, features in-depth interviews with government officials, opposition leaders, and expert analysts. She also writes a weekly column for The Cárdenas Press and has authored three books on New Alexandrian politics and media ethics. Her most recent work, "The Fourth Estate: Journalism in the Digital Age" (1733 AN), examines the challenges facing traditional media in an era of social media and information proliferation.
Personal life
Delacroix married Henri Beaumont, a diplomat, in 1702 AN. The couple had two children: Sophie (born 1704 AN) and Alexandre (born 1707 AN). The marriage ended in divorce in 1718 AN, attributed to the demands of their respective careers and Beaumont's frequent diplomatic postings abroad. She has been involved in various charitable causes, particularly those supporting press freedom and education. Delacroix serves on the board of the Nouvelle Alexandrie Press Freedom Foundation and has established a scholarship fund for aspiring journalists from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Legacy and influence
Delacroix's impact on New Alexandrian journalism extends beyond her own reporting. She has mentored dozens of young journalists, many of whom have gone on to prominent positions in media and communications. Her insistence on rigorous fact-checking and ethical reporting has helped establish professional standards that continue to guide the industry. Her advocacy for press freedom has been particularly influential during periods of political tension. During the Spring Crisis of 1739, she publicly defended the media's right to investigate and report on government activities, even when such reporting was uncomfortable for those in power.
Academic studies of New Alexandrian media consistently cite Delacroix as a transformative figure who helped elevate journalism from mere reporting to a vital democratic institution. Her work has been credited with increasing public engagement in political processes and raising the standard of political discourse in the Federation.
Publications
- Behind the Microphone: A Journalist's Journey (1715 AN)
- Democracy and the Press: Lessons from Nouvelle Alexandrie (1725 AN)
- The Fourth Estate: Journalism in the Digital Age (1733 AN)
