Paris, 8 October 2026 - Kessel enters a new phase of growth with the arrival of Mediahuis as a shareholder, driven by a shared conviction: in a world saturated with content, it has never been more important to foster the emergence of strong new voices in journalism.
AI, social platforms and the growing volume of content are fundamentally reshaping the way we consume information. Access to information has never been easier. At the same time, however, building trust, developing a distinctive editorial voice and cultivating a lasting relationship with an audience are becoming increasingly challenging.
Since it was founded, Kessel has supported journalists, writers, experts and creators who want to build their own media brands, grow their audiences and develop sustainable business models.
Today, a new generation of media brands is emerging outside traditional structures: newsletters, podcasts, video channels, communities, events and social-first formats. What they have in common is the strength of their voice, their expertise and the direct relationship they maintain with their audiences.
Mediahuis’ investment will enable Kessel to accelerate this ambition while preserving the foundations of its DNA: the independence of authors and editorial teams, editorial excellence and innovation in news media business models.
For European media group Mediahuis, active in Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, Germany and Luxembourg, this investment aligns with its ambition to support independent, high-quality journalism that reflects changing audience habits. Through its news brands, audio activities, digital platforms and investments in innovation, Mediahuis supports the transformation of the media industry and contributes to shaping the media of tomorrow.
Laure Goudiard and Adrien Labastire, co-founders of Kessel: “We are convinced that a new generation of media brands is emerging around journalists, experts and creators who are capable of building powerful communities. Together with Mediahuis, we want to give them the means to become the leading news brands of tomorrow. We are proud to be joining forces with Mediahuis, whose editorial and entrepreneurial values closely align with our own.”
Liesbeth Nizet, Chief Future Audiences & Growth, Mediahuis group: “At Mediahuis, we are convinced that the future of news and information will be shaped both by strong news brands and by new entrepreneurial voices. Entrepreneurs who create specialised, independent media brands and maintain a close connection with their audiences have an essential role to play in this evolution. Kessel supports them in a very practical way, combining editorial excellence, audience development and the creation of sustainable business models. We are delighted to partner with Kessel to support this new generation of independent media.”
This transaction will enable Kessel to strengthen its technology and commercial capabilities, while supporting the emergence of new editorial brands and the next generation of news talent.
About Kessel
Kessel is a news content creator studio that supports a new generation of authors, journalists, experts and creators in building independent and sustainable media brands. Its ecosystem brings together publishing, monetisation, advertising sales, production and talent development activities, with one ambition: to help create the news media brands of tomorrow.