Behind the Scenes: From Italy to Hungary

APRIL 2026 ISSUE

From Italy to Hungary

Hello, everyone,

Having returned from events in both France and Italy, we are left with the same impression: everywhere, independent journalists and media outlets are striving to ensure their long-term viability, to connect more effectively with their audiences, and to avoid going it alone.

In this issue, we revisit several of these issues. First, we look at Hungary, where Fidesz’s defeat does not erase either the attacks on press freedom or the broader threats facing independent journalism in Europe. Next, we look at Sphera, our European network, which is launching Media Collabs to support new projects. Finally, we turn to the studio side of things, with a focus on our approach to marketing: starting with existing audiences and communities and the resources actually available.

All of these issues, each in its own way, raise the same question: How can we build media outlets that are more robust, more accessible, and less dependent on platforms?

Enjoy the read,

MARINE DOUX, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF MÉDIANES

On the network side

A LOOK BACK AT OUR NEWS

Having just returned from the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy, we wanted to share a few words with you about the evening event we organized there with Sphera, our European network of independent media outlets. It was a simple gathering with journalists, media outlets, and creators from several countries, where we discussed our practices, our challenges, and our paths forward.

It is also in this spirit that we, together with Sphera, launched Media Collabs, a call for applications for three independent media outlets and three socially conscious content creators. Eight months of mentoring, two training sessions in Paris and Brussels, with travel and accommodation covered, and the opportunity to join a European network with which to share, learn, and build.

→ Join the network and apply for Media Collabs before May 1.

From the media's perspective

OUR LATEST PUBLICATIONS

The April election in Hungary, which saw Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party suffer a setback after sixteen years in power, may seem like a relief. But this election is not enough to undo the damage done to press freedom or to put an end to years of pressure on independent media.

We are following this issue closely, because it extends beyond the Hungarian context. What has happened in Hungary has served as a testing ground for other forms of media control in Europe, and this affects us directly: 444.hu, a partner in our Sphera network, has been a direct target of these efforts.

We have therefore chosen to approach this moment on two levels: with Sphera, through the eyes of a Hungarian journalist covering the April election; and with Médianes, by taking a step back to consider what the “Orbán method” reveals about the threats currently facing independent journalism in Europe.

→ Read these articles on Médianes

To go further

• Hélène Pillon, reporting from Hungary, shares the story of Mark, a journalist for 444.hu, on April 12, 2026.
• Owen Huchon, together with Reporters Without Borders, examines what the Orbán method reveals about the threats facing the media in Europe.
• Marine Doux broadens the scope in an article published in the Columbia Journalism Review, focusing in particular on the case of StreetPress in France.

Our approach

STUDIO NEWS

What do Le Monde, Vert, Le Cri, Louie Media, and Le Monde diplomatique have in common? These media outlets have turned to our studio for their marketing needs.

Our approach: We start with our audiences, their habits, and their expectations, to better align our editorial strategy, messaging, distribution channels, and business model. We always strive to develop strategies tailored to your media outlet’s budget, available resources, and target audiences.

Strategic planning, auditing, positioning, user journeys, engagement, campaigns: our work consists of building coherent and sustainable strategies, developed through the integration of journalism, design, technology, and management. Underlying all of this is a shared conviction: to strengthen models that are less dependent on platforms and more firmly rooted in a direct relationship with their audiences.

→ Whether you're a media outlet, NGO, or institution: Are you looking to develop your marketing strategy? Learn more about our expertise and contact us to find out more.

To go further

• Would you rather redesign your website? Here are three examples of media website redesigns built around editorial content, community, and an open-source tool.
• Newsletters, fundraising campaigns, management, design, website or magazine redesigns… discover our studio’s areas of expertise.

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THAT WAY, YOU'LL KNOW

→ The Médianes team is growing

Agathe Kupfer and Amélie Coispel are joining Médianes to strengthen the editorial and marketing impact of our projects. Three illustrators are also lending their talents to our In Vivo newsletter: Victoria Stampfer, Émilie Seto, and Anna Rabko.

→ Studio: They trust us

We are thrilled to be launching collaborations with *Philosophie Magazine*, *Forum Vies Mobiles*, the CDJM, and the Brussels-based media outlet *Imagine*. Check out the full list of our clients on our studio’s website.

→ See you in Paris this weekend

We’ll be at Ground Control on April 25 and 26 to host two panel discussions: “Design: A Bridge Between the Media and Its Audience” with Christelle Perrin and Maxime Loisel, and “Should We Still Be Creating New Media?” with Sixtine Yung.

→ The “Creating a Media Outlet” course starts soon

Our training program on how to start or professionalize a media outlet is back from May 5 to 27, and financial assistance may be available. Registration is open until May 4. It’s the final stretch!

→ A pre-order campaign for RSF

The new album from Reporters Without Borders takes listeners on a journey deep into the world’s forests. A campaign launched on the organization’s website, designed in collaboration with our studio (Learn more).

Médianes

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