Author: Fie Sennels
Videographer / Editor: Angelina Petrova
A Leading Force in Deaf Journalism
In the world of Deaf journalism, Médiapi has quickly established itself as a key player. Launched in 2018, the platform delivers daily news in French Sign Language (LSF) and written French, bridging a crucial gap in media accessibility for the Deaf community in France.
During our visit, Estelle Arnoux explained how the team had gathered in Paris for their bi-monthly review, working on a project while we observed. “Lately, we’ve been overwhelmed with preparing our 2024 year-in-review. We’re highlighting our biggest stories, condensed into 35 minutes, and I hope the final result is something we’re proud to present.”
The Birth of Médiapi
Unlike other Deaf journalism platforms, Médiapi is fully dedicated to news delivery, with accessibility at its heart. Reflecting on its origins, Noemi Churlet shared that the idea for Médiapi emerged after the 2016 terror attack, when the lack of accessibility—no subtitles, no interpreters—left many Deaf people uninformed. “We realized there was a crucial need for accessible news,” she said.
Before Médiapi, there was Websourd, a Deaf news platform based in Toulouse that operated from the early 2000s until 2015. Websourd provided written French news, translated into LSF by Deaf translators, but ultimately struggled financially and shut down in 2016. That same year, Noemi and her team began developing Médiapi, learning from Websourd’s challenges. “We learned that a free platform, while noble, wasn’t sustainable. So, we built Médiapi with a subscription model from the beginning.”
Although Noemi acknowledges that free access to news would be ideal, she emphasizes that it’s simply not feasible right now. “Of course, free access would be better, but at the moment, it’s impossible.” While some in the Deaf community hesitate to pay for content, Médiapi’s core subscribers recognize its value—not just as a news platform, but as a vital space for community empowerment. “We’re creating a place where Deaf people can stay informed about issues that impact them, in their own language.”
Reflections from the Team
Despite initial resistance to subscriptions, Médiapi has developed a sustainable model where supporters help subsidize access for those who can’t afford it. Laura Guernalec, a team member, shared that even her hearing parents, who don’t fully know sign language, subscribe to support her work. Yet, many in her network still hesitate.
When asked why they don’t subscribe, common responses include, “Do I have to pay?” or “I don’t have time to watch.” Laura challenges them by asking, “Do you have time and money to watch Netflix?” The question often sparks awkward reflection, highlighting the need to recognize the value of Deaf journalism.
Estelle pointed out another challenge—the misconception that news in sign language isn’t necessary. “People ask, ‘Why is news in sign language necessary?’ They forget that Médiapi exists for Deaf people—something that doesn’t exist anywhere else.” She explains the fundamental difference: “There’s a difference between having access to news and having access to it in your own sign language. That’s what makes Médiapi unique.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite its success, Médiapi still faces a major challenge: raising awareness within the Deaf community about the importance of accessible news. Charlotte Berthier highlighted this issue, explaining that in France, Deaf people with media awareness and education are willing to pay for news, while those who need it most often neglect it. “It’s frustrating to see that those who truly need access to information are the ones who don’t prioritize it.”
Looking to the future, Noemi expressed gratitude for Médiapi’s subscribers and supporters. “I want to thank the community for supporting equality. I hope the media will give us more visibility because they have the power to create change,” she said. Her belief is unwavering: “Without media, things will stay the same. But with it, we can change the game.”
What’s Next?
Stay tuned for our next article and reel, where we’ll dive deeper into Médiapi’s resilience and the strategies it’s using to shape the future of Deaf journalism.