Author: Fie Sennels
Videographer / Editor: Angelina Petrova
In the world of deaf journalism, platforms such as Taubenschlag in Germany, run by manua, and Médiapi in France are shaping the future of accessible news. As part of the Deaf Journalism Europe (DJE) project, I, Fie Sennels, along with my colleague Angelina Petrova, traveled to Paris to explore how Médiapi operates and gain deeper insight into Deaf media in France.
This collaboration, spanning six European countries, provides a unique opportunity to examine how Deaf journalism is produced, its foundations, and the diverse approaches taken across nations. Our visit marks the third installment of DJE’s ongoing reportage exchange, with Taubenschlag meeting Médiapi in France.
Arriving in Paris
Our journey in Paris began with its famous landmarks—the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower—where we introduced ourselves and the purpose of our visit. We were here to meet Médiapi, a platform dedicated to delivering accessible news in French Sign Language (LSF) and written French.
Unlike Taubenschlag, which started as a community-driven website in 1997, Médiapi is a newer player in the field. Launched in 2018, it has quickly become an essential resource for the Deaf community in France.
Paris itself is a city of fascinating contrasts. One in seven Parisians owns a dog, with around 300,000 dogs living in the city, making them an integral part of Parisian life. The Eiffel Tower has been painted in over 20 different colors throughout its history and is currently coated in a shade called “Eiffel Brown,” repainted every seven years. And while croissants are an iconic part of French culture, they were originally introduced by an Austrian baker before becoming a Parisian staple.
These small details reflect the spirit of Médiapi—a platform that, much like the city itself, balances history and progress. Just as Paris has evolved while embracing its traditions, Médiapi has rapidly grown into a leading platform for Deaf journalism in France.
During our time in Paris, we explored how Deaf journalism operates in France, how Médiapi’s approach differs from Germany, and what can be learned from their innovative methods. Through this collaboration, we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and successes of producing Deaf news, as well as how Deaf heritage in Paris influences both Médiapi and its community.
Inside Médiapi’s Headquarters
Although Médiapi officially launched in 2018, its foundation was laid much earlier. When we arrived at Médiapi’s headquarters in North Paris, we were welcomed by Laura Guernalec, a journalist who guided us through their office and explained both the technical and social aspects of their production.
We also met Charlotte Berthier, Médiapi’s dedicated representative for the Deaf Journalism Europe project. Her role ensures smooth collaboration and communication across borders, strengthening the project’s impact.
Despite having a relatively small team, Médiapi’s reach is impressive. With 18 employees working both in-office and remotely, the team covers a broad range of topics and delivers engaging, accessible content for the Deaf community. Estelle Arnoux, one of Médiapi’s journalists, shared her experience working remotely from Poitiers. She emphasized that despite the physical distance, the team collaborates seamlessly, making the most of both in-person and virtual teamwork.
At the heart of Médiapi is Noemi Churlet, the platform’s managing director and founder. She spoke passionately about the importance of accessibility in news media and how Médiapi is closing the gap for the Deaf community in France. Under her leadership, Médiapi has grown into a trusted platform, serving Deaf, hard-of-hearing, and signing audiences alike.
What’s Next in the Collaboration?
One thing became clear during our visit—collaboration between platforms like Taubenschlag and Médiapi is essential for strengthening Deaf journalism in Europe. By learning from each other, we can continue to build a more resilient media landscape.
But our journey doesn’t end here. In the coming weeks, we will dive deeper into the Médiapi experience, explore the team behind the platform, uncover their production process, and highlight the innovations shaping Deaf journalism in France.
Four more articles and reels are on the way—stay tuned!