site.btaGERB Backs BTA Strategy to Expand Regional Correspondent Network

GERB will support the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) vision for further developing its regional offices and correspondent network across the country, MP Yordanka Fandakova (GERB-UDF) said during a meeting of Parliament's Culture and Media Committee on Thursday. Speaking after BTA Director General Kiril Valchev presented the agency's 2025 activity report, Fandakova confirmed her party's support for both the report and the agency's leadership.

"We will, of course, support it. It is no coincidence that you received the full backing of Parliament for another term. Congratulations to you and to the entire team behind you," Fandakova said.

She placed particular emphasis on the importance of BTA's regional offices and correspondent network, endorsing Valchev's assessment of their role in the national media landscape.

"As a recent representative of local government, I believe this is not only an important source of information about what is happening in the regions. Many important and interesting developments take place across Bulgaria, along with many challenges. It makes a difference whether a journalist is sent from Sofia to cover a story or whether it is reported by someone who knows the region, its people and its institutions well," she said.

Valchev told lawmakers that he would soon present BTA's strategic development plan for the next five years, including proposals for the future of the agency's domestic correspondent network.

He outlined two possible approaches: either considering that the network has reached the limits of its expansion, or continuing to broaden BTA's presence in more cities across the country.

"There are 20 Bulgarian cities with populations above 15,000. The question is whether cities such as Dimitrovgrad and Asenovgrad should have permanent correspondents, or whether it is sufficient to rely on nearby regional centres such as Haskovo and Plovdiv," Valchev said.

He noted that BTA currently maintains correspondents in six cities that are not regional capitals, including Svishtov. Distance from major administrative centres, as well as economic and social significance, are important factors when deciding where to establish a permanent presence, he added, citing Samokov, Petrich, Gotse Delchev, Troyan and Kazanlak as examples.

"My understanding is that the correspondent network should be decentralized as much as possible," Valchev said.

He added that the purpose of BTA's national press clubs is to ensure that local communities are included in debates of national importance and that voices from across the country are represented in public discussion.