site.btaBTA's Fourth Training for Young Journalists Opens in Sofia

Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) Director General Kiril Valchev Monday opened BTA's fourth training programme for young reporters, organized in cooperation with the European Parliament (EP) Liaison Office in Bulgaria.

The initiative brings together ten young reporters from seven media outlets: Bulgarian National Television, bTV, Nova TV, Bulgarian National Radio, Euronews Bulgaria, OFFNews and BTA. Since the start of the programme in 2023, a total of 48 participants have completed the training, selected from over 100 applicants, Valchev noted.

Valchev said that no one can replace the knowledgeable journalist who knows how to ask questions, emphasizing the role of journalism in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). “In the world of AI, when you can ask it anything and it can answer everything, the most important thing is to develop your own natural intelligence. The essence of journalism is the ability to ask questions,” Valchev said. He highlighted the importance of understanding context and exercising critical judgement. “You must have developed your own natural intelligence in order to assess the answers you receive, whether from a human or from artificial intelligence,” he added.

Valchev pointed out that this year’s training will include a new module on the use of artificial intelligence in journalism. He outlined three key principles for its application: the involvement of a journalist and editor at every stage of the process, a strict ban on manipulating photos, videos or audio materials, and adherence to ethical standards when using technology. “We will always indicate when artificial intelligence has been used. It is a golden rule in journalism to know who is speaking to you,” Valchev said.

He noted that BTA is already active on nine social media platforms, developing new ways to reach audiences and present its content in accessible and diverse formats. “Our goal through social media is to reach more people. We need to find the model for using artificial intelligence so that every piece of news reaches different audiences in the most appropriate way,” Valchev added.

In conclusion, he encouraged young journalists to remain curious, responsible and confident in their role as guardians of truth and professional standards in journalism.

During the programme, participants will learn about the functioning of the European Union (EU) institutions, with a focus on the European Parliament, EU policies, and their implementation in the Member States, based on the Union’s values.

The programme consists of two modules, national and European. The national module will provide general knowledge on the competences of the EU institutions, legislation and policies. The European module will take place in Brussels in February 2026, with participation reserved for those who perform best in the practical assignments.

Lecturers in the programme will once again include leading academics and experts on European policies and affairs, among them Prof. Ingrid Shikova, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ralitsa Kovacheva from Sofia University, Assoc. Prof. Ivan Nachev from New Bulgarian University, Assoc. Prof. Georgi Lozanov, as well as practicing journalists and representatives of the European Parliament.