It’s rare to see so many people looking into the fate of a school. This is today the case of the ESJ Paris journalism school, which has no connection with ESJ Lille, a secular institution that enjoys an excellent reputation. Bernard Arnault, through his holding Financière Agache, Vincent Bolloré (Compagnie de l’Odet), the Dassaults (with Koodenvoi, of the Habert Dassault Finance group) and Rodolphe Saadé (CMA Media) have just purchased ESJ Paris.
They are accompanied by other investors, such as Bayard Presse Group, former Medef president Pierre Gattaz, Financière de la Lance (Vianney d’Alançon), Spes, Stanislas and Godefroy de Bentzmann, Watchers & co and TSV Immobilier. When contacted, they did not want to detail the recovery project or the financial package. According to our information, this is a financing round of around 3 million euros, as mentioned in the spring by the magazine Challengeswas founded by Vianney d’Alançon, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who notably purchased the castle of la Barben (Bouches-du-Rhône), where in 2021 he created the theme park in Provence, Rocher Mistral. Bayard’s participation convinced some publishers to commit, such as CMA Media, which allocated a few hundred thousand euros.
READ ALSO “Fuck you”: ESJ Paris, the school that doesn’t want to pay its teachersFounded in 1899 by the novelist Dick May with the aim of training talented journalists after the horrors of the Dreyfus case, the Paris ESJ had been in crisis for several months, as revealed by the investigation of Point. It has been directed since 2009 by Guillaume Jobin, a 65-year-old doctor known for his pro-Palestinian and pro-Russian leanings. The drift of ESJ Paris, a private school not recognized by the profession which costs around 7,000 euros per year, began at the end of 2021. Teachers were paid very haphazardly and some courses were no longer provided. In the past, ESJ Paris has employed controversial teachers such as Jean-Paul Ney or Anne-Laure Bonnel.
New premises
Guillaume Jobin left the school today, whose management has been entrusted to Elhame Medjahed, current teaching director, awaiting further appointments at the beginning of 2025. Elhame Medjahed, freelance journalist, has worked at Europe 1, M6 and RT (Russia Today). Vianney d’Alançon assumes the presidency. He is also a shareholder of the school through Financière de la Lance. “ESJ Paris intends in particular to strengthen its leading position in the field of journalism training, particularly in economics,” the press release promises.
Located on rue de Tolbiac, in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, the school will move to a new location. He should try to obtain recognition of the profession, i.e. certification” RNCP », which she has no longer had since 2015, which prevents her from signing professional contracts for her students. The people who participate in its relaunch could make it a hotbed of journalists for the numerous newspapers it owns: Prisma and its magazines Capital, Geo… (Vincent Bolloré), Les Échos, Le Parisien, Paris Match, Radio Classique, 40% of the magazine Challenges… (Bernard Arnault), BFMTV, RMC, BFM Business, The Tribune… (Rodolphe Saadé) or even The Cross (Bayard).
ESJ Paris, not to be confused with CFJ Paris, another school, has welcomed famous teachers and speakers, such as Anatole France, Charles Péguy, the musician Maurice Ravel, the sociologist Émile Durkheim and other politicians such as Maurice Schumann and Gaston Doumergue , former President of the Republic. Several television personalities, notably Audrey Pulvar and Samuel Étienne, studied there.
What are the main challenges facing ESJ Paris that Vianney d’Alançon aims to address?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Vianney d’Alançon, President of ESJ Paris
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Vianney. It’s not every day that a journalism school captures national attention. What inspired you and your team to invest in ESJ Paris, given its controversial history and recent struggles?
Vianney d’Alançon: Thank you for having me. The decision to invest in ESJ Paris was driven by a combination of passion for journalism and a strong belief in the school’s potential. We see a rich history here, dating back to 1899, and with the right resources and direction, we can revitalize it into a leading institution for aspiring journalists.
Editor: You’ve mentioned a strong belief in the school’s potential. Could you elaborate on what changes you envision for ESJ going forward?
Vianney d’Alançon: Absolutely. First and foremost, we need to ensure financial stability. The funding we secured—around 3 million euros—will be pivotal in addressing outstanding debts and ensuring that teachers receive timely payment. From there, we plan to modernize the curriculum and recruit experienced faculty who are not only knowledgeable but also aligned with our mission to nurture ethical journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Editor: Given the history of administrative issues and delays in course offerings, how do you plan to rebuild trust with current students and faculty?
Vianney d’Alançon: Rebuilding trust will be pivotal. We recognize the challenges that students and faculty have faced, and transparency will be key in our approach. We aim to involve the academic community in the decision-making processes and will hold regular meetings to keep everyone informed about our progress and to solicit feedback.
Editor: You’re now at the helm at an institution previously led by Guillaume Jobin. What differences can students expect under your leadership compared to his?
Vianney d’Alançon: One of the key changes will be a more collaborative and inclusive leadership style. While Guillaume Jobin had his vision, our mission is to rejuvenate the school by fostering open conversations with students and faculty alike. We are bringing in a new teaching director, Elhame Medjahed, who has comprehensive industry experience. This fresh perspective is instrumental as we steer the school towards greater relevance and accountability.
Editor: You’re taking on a significant challenge. What do you see as the long-term vision for ESJ Paris in the next five to ten years?
Vianney d’Alançon: Our vision is to establish ESJ Paris as a respected institution not just in France but also on an international level. We want to create an environment where students can thrive, equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of modern journalism—think investigative reporting, digital storytelling, and a strong grounding in ethics. As we innovate and adapt, we are committed to maintaining the high standards of journalistic integrity that the school was founded upon.
Editor: Lastly, how do you respond to skeptics who doubt the future of ESJ Paris, especially considering its tumultuous history?
Vianney d’Alançon: I understand the skepticism; it’s a natural reaction given the circumstances. However, I believe that every institution has the potential for renewal. With the dedicated team we’ve assembled, and our focus on ethical practices and transparency, I’m confident we can turn ESJ Paris around. We’re not just investing in a school; we’re investing in the next generation of journalists who carry a fundamental role in society.
Editor: Thank you, Vianney. Your insights provide hope for those invested in the future of ESJ Paris, and we look forward to seeing how your vision unfolds in the coming years.
Vianney d’Alançon: Thank you for the opportunity to share our plans. I look forward to keeping everyone updated on our progress.