site.btaCooperation Within EBU Makes Media Stronger, Adaptable, Resilient to Challenges, Says BNT Director General

The cooperation built in the European Broadcast Union is stronger, more adaptable, more resilient to the present challenges said Bulgarian National Television (BNT) Director General Milena Milotinova at the opening of the Media Summit of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) on Wednesday. Bulgaria is hosting the forum for the first time, jointly organized by the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and the BNT. The 2026 edition of the event brought together public media leaders and professionals in the field of radio, television and digital media from across Europe, with 150 delegates from 47 media organizations participating. 

Milotinova expressed confidence that with united efforts, the public media can not only preserve, but also build on their public mission. "To serve society with responsibility, with transparency and with a vision for the future. Our meeting here is an opportunity not only to build new cooperation and exchange ideas, but to build a common vision for strong, independent, modern public media throughout Europe," noted the Director General of BNT. 

She noted that in the conditions of geopolitical, technological and social transformations, the mission of these media is becoming increasingly significant. Among their main tasks, she highlighted their establishment as a reliable source of information, a space for dialogue and a guarantor of democratic values. "Public media have always been a pillar in times of crisis, but today the challenges are different," said the Director General of BNT.

In her words, the rapid spread of information, disinformation, insufficient media literacy, and competition on global platforms require not just adaptation, but leadership - in trust, quality, and responsibility to the audience.

Milotinova also emphasized the role of innovation, which is now “a matter of necessity” as it allows reaching new audiences and presenting content in a new way. According to her, sharing experiences and innovative solutions within the EBU community will accelerate the development of public service media.

She emphasized that the future lies in the balance between preserving traditions and values ​​and the ability to develop through digital transformation, new formats and engaging young audiences. In this process, mutual support between public media is key, added Milotinova.

 "The next intention is not only in preserving traditions, it is in the balance between the sustainability of traditions and values ​​and our ability to develop. Through new formats, through digital transformation, through engaging young audiences, without losing our identity and mission. And mutual support between public media is key in this process," she added.

The Media Summit brings together public service media leaders and professionals in the fields of radio, television and digital media from across Europe. It is a high-level strategic forum focused on the future of public service media – their sustainability, public role, digital transformation and common position towards global technology platforms. The current edition was opened today at Sofia Tech Park by the Deputy Director-General of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) Jean-Philippe de Tender, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, as well as the Directors-General of BNT and BNR - Milen Mitev and Milena Milotinova.