Author: Fie Sennels
Videographer / Editor: Angelina Petrova

The Challenges of Deaf Journalism

In our latest video, Angelina Petrova and Fie Sennels (from Taubenschlag, run by manua) discuss the particular challenges faced by deaf journalists. Creating accessible, accurate news in Sign Language requires more than just reporting—it demands critical thinking, meticulous planning, and careful financial management, all while ensuring content remains engaging and inclusive. It’s a demanding task, but Médiapi has found ways to navigate these obstacles, thanks to its dedicated team and strategic approach.

A Global First?

In its first two years, securing funding was crucial for Médiapi’s survival. Initially, the platform relied on government support, but Noemi Churlet quickly realized that this model wasn’t sustainable. “A Deaf-owned company depending on government funding is a complicated issue. Financial independence became the better path,” she explains. Now, after seven years of ups and downs, Médiapi is finally reaching a more stable position.

For a long time, Noemi assumed similar organizations existed worldwide. That changed when she met Calvin Young, an American traveler who visited Deaf communities across the globe. After seeing Médiapi firsthand, he confirmed there was nothing quite like it. This realization brought both a sense of pride and a heavy responsibility—Médiapi wasn’t just pioneering Deaf journalism in France; it was standing alone on the global stage.

Without a network of similar organizations to exchange insights, the burden of innovation has rested solely on Médiapi’s shoulders. That’s why the Deaf Journalism Europe (DJE) project is so vital—to share the responsibility and build a stronger, more resilient foundation for Deaf journalism across borders.

One of Médiapi’s biggest challenges is producing content from different locations. Many team members live in different cities, but financial barriers make it difficult to regularly report on regional news. Estelle Arnoux envisions a future where local reporters contribute stories from their communities, helping Médiapi stay connected to both national and grassroots-level news.

Despite Médiapi’s growth, expansion depends on subscriber support. “If our subscriber numbers increase, Médiapi will grow,” Noemi emphasizes, highlighting that community backing is essential for progress.

From Volunteer to Journalist

For Laura Guernalec, her journey with Médiapi began unexpectedly in 2016. She first encountered the project while volunteering at an event where early discussions about Médiapi’s vision were taking place. At the time, Médiapi was still in its infancy, and though she found it intriguing, she didn’t immediately see herself as part of it.

It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that Laura began rethinking her career path. Encouraged by others to explore journalism, she hesitated at first but eventually decided to give it a try. She enrolled in a one-month journalism course, and in June 2024, Médiapi offered her an internship. Since then, she has been fully immersed in the fast-paced world of Deaf journalism, working on projects like the DJE collaboration in Groningen.

Reflecting on her journey, Laura shares how she went from being a curious observer of Médiapi’s early days to playing an integral role in its mission today. “I’ve gained so much experience, and that’s why I’m here now,” she says, proud of her growth and the platform’s evolution.

What’s Next?

The future of Médiapi holds exciting possibilities. In our next article and reel, we’ll explore where the platform is headed and how it could shape the landscape of Deaf journalism in the years to come.