Behind the Scenes: Let's Work Together!

JUNE 2026 ISSUE

Let's work as a team

Hello everyone,

Cooperation, pooling resources… we keep repeating that independent media must “work together.” What’s rarer is asking what that actually looks like in practice, beyond just the slogan. That’s the question running through this issue, and the one we’d like to explore with you on July 7 in Paris.

In our view, networking starts with offering a behind-the-scenes look and sharing best practices: in this issue, for example, La Croix’s first impact report—for which we designed the visuals—Reporterre’s deliberate rejection of generative AI, which we covered, and the benefits that slowing down can bring to design and creativity.

And working collectively also means reaching out to others: In this issue, we reveal the six new media outlets and creators with whom we’ll be collaborating as part of Sphera, our European network.

This should give you something to think about until our summer party, which we hope to spend with you!

Enjoy the read,

MARINE DOUX, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF MÉDIANES

On the network side

OUR NEXT EVENT

Invitation: See you on July 7 in Paris!

We’ve probably never needed to work together more than we do now, but there’s often a gap between intention and practice. Media leaders, journalists, news creators: Médianes invites you to an evening in Paris to imagine a new space where we can come together and share our resources.

Our belief is that the right resources already exist, scattered throughout our newsrooms and collectives; what’s missing is a place to share them. That’s what we’re exploring with Sphera, our network of media outlets that investigate and support one another across borders. On July 7, we want to build on this idea, bringing it as close as possible to you and your needs.

On the agenda: a roundtable discussion with Thomas Seymat (Arte), Johan Weisz-Myara (StreetPress), Clémentine Forissier (Contexte), and Marine Doux (Médianes) on the collective as a prerequisite for independence, followed by a time to gather your feedback, and then drinks to wrap up the evening.

→ Free registration — Tuesday, July 7, at 7 p.m. at TLM, 105 Rue Curial, 75019 Paris.

Our approach

STUDIO NEWS

A First Impact Report for *La Croix*

How can we illustrate how a media outlet truly changes the lives of its readers? That was the question that guided our work on La Croix’s very first impact report, for which our studio handled all the visual design.

It all started with the media outlet’s visual identity guidelines, which we adapted for this new format: from the document’s layout to the infographics, we had to translate impactful data into a clear and engaging visual narrative, designed for readers, donors, and institutions alike.

And the findings of this report are certainly striking: 93% of readers took at least one civic action during the year, and 78% rely on articles from *La Croix* in their discussions. Why not try visualizing what you bring to your readers, too?

→ Read La Croix’s impact report

To go further

• Translating data to support the editorial message: this is one aspect of our expertise in graphic design.

From the media's perspective

OUR LATEST PUBLICATIONS

Generative AI: Reporterre Says No, But Without Oversight

BY OWEN HUCHON — MÉDIANES

The environmental media outlet is banning generative AI from all of its content. More notable than the announcement itself is a manifesto that prohibits the use of generative AI without scrutiny, relying instead on trust. It is a commitment with acknowledged limitations, but one deemed essential in light of the 54,000 donors who fund the editorial staff.

Reaching new audiences: good idea, but on what terms?

BY DORINE PLANTÉ — MÉDIANES

Reaching new audiences is a priority for many newsrooms. But between the temptation to expand reach and the actual capacity to do so, there is often an underestimated gap in resources, preparation, and strategy. Three questions to ask yourself before you start.

Slowing down, a design practice counter to AI

BY CHRISTELLE PERRIN — MÉDIANES

In an era of instant content and visuals, Christelle Perrin, design director at Médianes, explores what we’re losing in this race for performance. Her column is a return to a slower, more sensitive approach to design.

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THAT WAY, YOU'LL KNOW

→ Behind the Scenes of the Vert Website Redesign

After six years in business, Vert entrusted us with the redesign of its website: performance, eco-design, SEO, and user experience. From the initial audit to the launch—including art direction, UI/UX mockups, and development—we completed the project in four months. Take a look behind the scenes.

→ Become a shareholder of Le Cri

Le Cri is launching a campaign to invite its readers to become shareholders in the publication. This marks a new milestone in the publication’s development, which has been supported since its inception by Médianes.

→ Sphera Welcomes Its New Class

Out of 73 applications from 15 countries, our European network Sphera has selected six winners: three independent media outlets (Pikara, Lyuk Media, Komune) and three content creators (Candela Antón de Vez, Charlotte Matteini, Marine Périn), whom we will support for eight months.

→ Can donations sustain an independent media outlet?

That’s the question Vertige asked for its second anniversary, bringing together Disclose, Vert, and Médianes for a roundtable discussion. Marine Doux, our editorial director, shared the experience of the outlets we support on these issues. Watch the event.

→ A new collaboration with WeDoData

This summer, our studio is pleased to be working with our office neighbors, WeDoData—a data visualization and data journalism agency—to help them develop their online editorial strategy, particularly their newsletter. Learn more about our expertise.

Médianes

We are a media outlet, a studio, and a network dedicated to independent journalism.