Got it?

No. 84 — Got it?
It’s June 13, 2024, and you’re reading the newsletter from Médianes.

Hello, everyone,

Today marks the start of 48h de la pige, an event organized this year by the association Profession pigiste, which will be held this year in Lille. Médianes was there last year for the Marseille edition: we highly recommend this event. All the resources shared there will save you two years’ worth of learning in just two days. You’ll also find our book, Créer un média, in the bookshop area.

The timing couldn't be better—in this issue, journalists will find ideas for raising their profile and steps they can take to showcase their expertise on various platforms by developing a marketing strategy similar to that of a media outlet and thinking collectively.

Also in this issue: a compilation of best practices developed in collaboration with CFDT-Journalistes for newsrooms that work with freelancers; queer design; recommendations for greater inclusivity in the media; and, of course, job listings.

Enjoy the read,

— MARINE SLAVITCH, JOURNALIST AT MÉDIANES

Why not?

IDEAS FOR YOUR MEDIA

Unlike journalists employed by a single media outlet, a significant part of a freelance journalist’s work involves building their profile and showcasing their expertise. This hidden part of the iceberg, though time-consuming and demanding, allows them to stand out in a competitive market, attract opportunities, and pave the way for a more stable and fulfilling career.

To embody

While journalists are accustomed to sharing their work on X, it may be worth setting up a professional Instagram account to reach a different audience—just like Constance Vilanova. The specialized journalist regularly promotes her projects, articles, and media appearances there. LinkedIn is also beginning to open up to the press, with new features designed for journalists. Finally, Twitch is no longer just for gamers! Journalist Vincent Manilève, for example, uses the platform to host press reviews, showcasing his expertise in web culture to newsrooms and engaging with his community.

Thinking of Oneself as a Media Outlet

Being a freelance journalist means being your own media outlet. Some even go so far as to use platforms like Substack, Kessel, and Patreon to fund stories that don’t find a home in traditional media. These tools allow journalists to host newsletters and exclusive paid content for their community. However, the success of journalists using these platforms depends on a solid marketing strategy. To turn readers into financial contributors, it’s best to communicate regularly with your audience, embody your values, and build a strong brand image. All of these strategies are detailed in our book *Creating a Media Outlet*.

Surround yourself with

The real secret is to surround yourself with the right people. In France, there are many freelance collectives that help break the isolation. While some set up their bases in cafés, others have offices. Working within a collective allows you to pool your skills, collaborate on projects, share contacts, and benefit from everyone’s experience. These groups also organize meetings with editors-in-chief to stay informed about editorial needs and improve efficiency.

From the studio's perspective

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Last February, the team at the investigative media outlet Disclose called on Médianes to help them launch new newsletters and develop an effective social media strategy. The goal? To maximize the impact of the outlet’s investigations, which are at the heart of its editorial approach.

Setting goals and targets, working on editorial content and marketing initiatives, sharing action plans and educational resources… We’re thrilled to share with you the work we’ve done alongside the Disclose team. Visit our studio’s website to learn more about the project.

CHRISTELLE PERRIN — MÉDIANES, THE STUDIO

On Our Radar

OUR MARKET RESEARCH TO SUPPORT YOUR PROJECTS

Let's do better

IMPRIMÉ FESTIVAL / MÉDIANES AND FAR OUEST MAGAZINE

During the third edition of the Festival Imprimé, which Médianes co-organized last May alongside Revue Far Ouest, we held a discussion on the normalization of the far right in the media. It was a fascinating discussion filled with impassioned moments, personal experiences, and proposed solutions, featuring journalists from StreetPress, Mediapart, Arrêt sur images, and Rue89 Bordeaux.

For Queer Design

SLOAN LEO COWAN / FAST COMPANY

Have you ever heard of “queer design”? Inspired by queer theory, this approach encourages designers to embrace vulnerability and curiosity, emphasizing collective well-being over profit. “While normative design promotes distance, queer design allows designers to feel genuine care and affection for the people they are designing for.”

Over at medianes.org

IT'S HOMEMADE

Working with freelance journalists: best practices

CFDT-JOURNALISTS / MEDIANES.ORG

Freelance journalists face numerous challenges. One major issue is a lack of understanding of how they work. What challenges do freelance journalists face? What kinds of catchphrases are they used to hearing? And above all: how can you foster a productive working relationship with freelancers? Find all the advice from CFDT-Journalistes, which we’re featuring in our columns this week.

In Brief

THAT WAY, YOU'LL KNOW

• Le Parisien, Le HuffPost, Jeune Afrique: These media outlets are hiring. Check out their job openings.

• The online media outlet Vert, in partnership with Médianes, is running a campaign to “put the environment in the headlines—forever.” Join the club!

• Basta! will celebrate its 15th anniversary tomorrow at an event at La REcyclerie in Paris, focusing on independent and socially conscious journalism.

• The décadréE research institute offers freely available case studies and guidance booklets to promote greater equality and inclusivity in the media.

• Favorite: To receive this fanzine on the art of snail mail, you have to send a real letter to the other subscribers. What a great idea!

See you on June 27!

Thank you for your messages, which have helped us enrich this newsletter. We’d also like to take this opportunity to welcome Thomas, Marie, Bertille, David, Fleur, Pauline, and everyone else who has recently signed up.

See you on June 27. Until then, take care of yourselves and your social media.

— THIS NEWSLETTER WAS PREPARED BY MARINE SLAVITCH IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MÉDIANES TEAM.