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This article was originally published in Médianes' 10 Links newsletter, sent every other Monday at 2 pm. Sign up here (for free).
- PLATFORMS (The Verge) — Google continues to transform its search engine, prioritizing AI-generated answers and forums… which is having a very negative impact on traffic to some sites. A situation that reminds us that platforms can change the rules overnight and underscores the urgency for news outlets to break free from these companies to strengthen their independence.
- NETWORKS (404 Media) — Thinking of deleting your profile on X? Beware, the platform considers that your account belongs to it. At least, that's the argument wielded by X's lawyers to block the transfer of conspiracy media outlet InfoWars, bought by The Onion to turn it into a parody site. A sale that apparently doesn't sit well with Elon Musk.
- OSINT (Digital Investigations) — Recently joined Bluesky? We invite you to discover this selection of tools that will help you unlock the full potential of this platform, especially if you're interested in OSINT.
- MODELS (Jon Youshaei) — Johnny and Iz Harris have built a legitimate media business on YouTube. In this interview, they share behind-the-scenes insights into their business model, production methods, and strategy for maintaining their independence from advertisers while operating on a platform controlled by Google.
- INTERNET (WIRED) — The publication looks back on the launch of its first website exactly 30 years ago. The use of this tool, still obscure at the time, sparked countless internal debates about layout rules and the use of hyperlinks. WIRED also confesses to inventing something it's a bit ashamed of today: the first banner ad.
- STUDY (#NousToutes) — The collective released a comprehensive survey on media coverage of femicides, analyzing thousands of articles published between 2017 and 2022. While the issue has received increasing media attention and is gradually recognized as a genuine political concern, the report highlights persistent gaps, particularly regarding trans victims, victims of color, and sex workers.
- INDEPENDENCE (Le Monde) — The grip of conservative billionaires in the media ecosystem is growing but is not inevitable. The Bayard group recently announced the arrival in its management of Alban du Rostu, former right-hand man of conservative billionaire Pierre-Edouard Stérin, and his participation in the acquisition of a journalism school alongside Vincent Bolloré. The management ultimately reversed course.
- HUMOUR (Medians) — From satirical press in the 20th century to today's independent online media, humor has enabled the communication of values, ideas, and information. It can serve serious journalism while building affinity with its community. Yet beware of handling this delicate exercise carefully, particularly by avoiding excluding readers with obscure references.
- INFLUENCE (Pew Research Center) — The research center recently published a report on influential news figures on the Internet. It reveals that in the United States, one in five Americans say they regularly get news from them on social media. The report also indicates that among these personalities, conservative men are overrepresented.
- TOOLS — In the latest issue, we presented Internet Archive's report on its work preserving online content along with its warning message: it's impossible for the organization to accomplish this enormous task alone. So why not you? Discover this list of tools and guides for preserving your digital works and those of others.
