# Blast

> French investigative journalism site and web television

**Wikidata**: [Q107907866](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107907866)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/blast

## Summary
Blast is a French investigative journalism site and web television platform founded in 2021 by Denis Robert and Elise Van Beneden. It operates as an independent media organization based in Paris, known for its in-depth reporting and multimedia content under the motto *"Le souffle de l'info"* (The Breath of News).

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: January 15, 2021, in Paris, France.
- **Founders**: Denis Robert (French investigative journalist, novelist, and filmmaker) and Elise Van Beneden.
- **Legal Entity**: Registered under SIREN number **892496597** with a nominal share capital of **€2,500**.
- **Headquarters**: 3B Rue Taylor, 75010 Paris, France.
- **Official Name**: *BLAST - LE SOUFFLE DE L'INFO*.
- **ISSN**: 2781-9779 (online publication).
- **Industry**: Classified under *"publishing of newspapers in France"* (NAF rév. 2).
- **Social Media Presence**:
  - **Twitter/X**: [@blast_france](https://twitter.com/blast_france) (active since November 27, 2020).
  - **YouTube**: [blastinfo](https://www.youtube.com/c/blastinfo) (channel ID: UC__xRB5L4toU9yYawt_lIKg).
  - **Mastodon**: [@blast_info@mamot.fr](https://mamot.fr/@blast_info) (active since January 24, 2021).
  - **Instagram/Facebook**: @blastofficiel.
  - **Bluesky**: [blast-info.fr](https://bsky.app/profile/blast-info.fr).
- **Audience Reach**:
  - **YouTube subscribers**: 1.58 million (as of November 25, 2025).
  - **YouTube views**: 407,936,501 (as of November 25, 2025).
  - **Twitter followers**: 104,712 (as of February 12, 2023).
  - **Mastodon followers**: 16,450 (as of April 11, 2024).
- **Recognition**: Listed in the French *Commission paritaire des publications et agences de presse (CPPAP)* under ID **0325 Y 94482** (recognized as of February 20, 2024).
- **Notable Figures**: Paloma Moritz and Salomé Saqué are significant contributors.
- **Website**: [https://www.blast-info.fr/](https://www.blast-info.fr/) (French-language).

## FAQs

### **What is Blast’s mission?**
Blast is an investigative journalism platform focused on uncovering and reporting on critical issues in France and beyond. Its motto, *"Le souffle de l'info"* (The Breath of News), reflects its commitment to in-depth, impactful storytelling through both written articles and video content.

### **Who founded Blast, and what are their backgrounds?**
Blast was co-founded by **Denis Robert**, a prominent French investigative journalist, novelist, and filmmaker, and **Elise Van Beneden**. Robert is known for his work exposing financial corruption, while Van Beneden contributes to the platform’s editorial and operational leadership.

### **How large is Blast’s audience?**
As of November 2025, Blast’s YouTube channel has **1.58 million subscribers** and over **407 million views**. Its Twitter account has **104,712 followers** (as of 2023), and its Mastodon presence has grown to **16,450 followers** (as of 2024).

### **Is Blast recognized as an official press organization in France?**
Yes, Blast is registered with the **CPPAP** (French Press Commission) under ID **0325 Y 94482**, confirming its status as a recognized online press service as of February 20, 2024.

### **What platforms does Blast use to distribute content?**
Blast publishes content on its **website**, **YouTube**, **Twitter/X**, **Mastodon**, **Instagram**, **Facebook**, and **Bluesky**. It also maintains an email contact at **contact@blast-info.fr**.

### **Where is Blast headquartered?**
Blast is based at **3B Rue Taylor, 75010 Paris, France**, with a registered address under the legal entity **HQCS 20004**.

## Why It Matters
Blast plays a crucial role in France’s independent media landscape by providing rigorous investigative journalism outside traditional corporate structures. Its multimedia approach—combining written reporting with web television—expands access to in-depth news, particularly for audiences seeking alternatives to mainstream outlets. By leveraging digital platforms, Blast reaches millions, amplifying underreported stories and holding power to account. Its recognition by the CPPAP underscores its credibility, while its rapid growth in subscribers and views demonstrates its increasing influence in shaping public discourse.

## Notable For
- **Rapid Growth**: Achieved **1.58 million YouTube subscribers** and **407+ million views** within five years of launch.
- **Founders’ Expertise**: Co-founded by **Denis Robert**, a veteran investigative journalist with a history of exposing financial scandals.
- **Multimedia Format**: One of France’s few hybrid **investigative journalism sites and web TV platforms**.
- **Official Recognition**: Listed in the **CPPAP**, France’s press regulatory body, validating its journalistic standards.
- **Strong Social Media Presence**: Active across **YouTube, Twitter, Mastodon, Instagram, and Bluesky**, with a combined following in the millions.
- **Independent Structure**: Operates with a **nominal share capital of €2,500**, emphasizing lean, mission-driven journalism.
- **Paris-Based**: Headquartered in a key media hub, facilitating access to national and international stories.

## Body

### **History and Founding**
Blast was launched on **January 15, 2021**, by **Denis Robert** and **Elise Van Beneden**. Robert, a well-known figure in French investigative journalism, brought decades of experience, including work on financial corruption and organized crime. The platform was established as an independent media outlet to fill gaps in traditional journalism, prioritizing long-form investigations and multimedia storytelling.

### **Legal and Organizational Structure**
Blast is registered as a French company under **SIREN number 892496597** with a **nominal share capital of €2,500**. Its legal form aligns with French corporate standards, and it is classified under the **NAF rév. 2** code for newspaper publishing. The organization’s official name is *BLAST - LE SOUFFLE DE L'INFO*, reflecting its branding and mission.

Headquarters are located at **3B Rue Taylor, 75010 Paris**, within the **HQCS 20004** building. The platform holds a **EU VAT number (FR64892496597)** and is listed in **OpenCorporates** under ID **fr/892496597**.

### **Content and Distribution**
Blast operates as both a **website** and a **web television** channel, producing investigative reports, documentaries, and news analysis. Its content is primarily in **French**, targeting domestic and francophone audiences. Key distribution channels include:
- **Website**: [https://www.blast-info.fr/](https://www.blast-info.fr/)
- **YouTube**: [blastinfo](https://www.youtube.com/c/blastinfo) (1.58M subscribers, 407M+ views as of 2025).
- **Twitter/X**: [@blast_france](https://twitter.com/blast_france) (104K+ followers).
- **Mastodon**: [@blast_info@mamot.fr](https://mamot.fr/@blast_info) (16K+ followers).
- **Instagram/Facebook**: @blastofficiel.
- **Bluesky**: [blast-info.fr](https://bsky.app/profile/blast-info.fr).

### **Recognition and Credibility**
Blast is officially recognized by the **Commission paritaire des publications et agences de presse (CPPAP)** under ID **0325 Y 94482**, a designation reserved for legitimate press organizations in France. This status, confirmed on **February 20, 2024**, reinforces its adherence to journalistic ethics and professional standards.

### **Key Figures**
- **Denis Robert**: Co-founder, investigative journalist, and filmmaker. Known for works like *"La Boîte Noire"* (exposing financial corruption).
- **Elise Van Beneden**: Co-founder, contributing to editorial and operational leadership.
- **Paloma Moritz** and **Salomé Saqué**: Notable journalists associated with the platform.

### **Audience and Impact**
Blast’s YouTube channel has seen exponential growth, reaching **1.58 million subscribers** and **407 million views** by November 2025. Its Twitter following surpassed **100,000** in 2023, while its Mastodon presence grew to **16,450 followers** by 2024. These metrics highlight its role as a major player in France’s digital media ecosystem.

### **Financial and Operational Details**
- **Nominal Share Capital**: €2,500 (as per legal filings).
- **EU VAT Number**: FR64892496597.
- **Street Address**: 3B Rue Taylor, 75010 Paris (registered under HQCS 20004).
- **Email**: contact@blast-info.fr.

### **Social Media and Digital Presence**
Blast maintains an active presence across multiple platforms:
- **YouTube**: Launched November 27, 2020, with 413 videos and 468K+ subscribers (as of 2022).
- **Twitter**: Active since November 27, 2020.
- **Mastodon**: Joined January 24, 2021.
- **Bluesky**: Verified handle with French-language content.

### **Related Entities**
- **Denis Robert**: French investigative journalist, novelist, and filmmaker (Wikidata: , ).
- **Elise Van Beneden**: Co-founder (referenced in legal filings).
- **Paloma Moritz & Salomé Saqué**: Significant contributors to Blast’s journalism.

### **Unique Identifiers**
- **ISSN**: 2781-9779 (online publication).
- **CPPAP ID**: 0325 Y 94482.
- **SIREN**: 892496597.
- **OpenCorporates ID**: fr/892496597.
- **YouTube Channel ID**: UC__xRB5L4toU9yYawt_lIKg.
- **Bluesky DID**: did:plc:omtqqkwusnfvxos7pxvl4fgo.

## References

1. [Source](https://societe.ninja/data.php?siren=892496597)
2. SIRENE
3. YouTube API
4. [Source](https://data.culture.gouv.fr/explore/dataset/liste-des-services-de-presse-en-ligne-reconnus/table/?q=blast)
5. [Source](https://www.blast-info.fr/legal)