PUBLIC BROADCASTERS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Sofia, Bulgaria
October 20-22, 2025
BNR is hosting the PBI Conference for the first time
The Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) is proud to host the prestigious Public Broadcasters International (PBI) Conference in 2025. The event will take place in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, on October 20-22, 2025.
With its over 30-year history, the PBI Conference is a vital annual platform for the global community of public broadcasters. This year’s conference carries the powerful motto “Making the Case for Public Service Broadcasters”, highlighting the value of PSM in an age of rapid change and growing uncertainty, and showcasing the importance and integrity of public broadcasting in the modern world.
As in previous years, the conference will bring together leading executives and decision-makers from public service media organizations across the globe, fostering dialogue, innovation, and collaboration in an increasingly complex media landscape. The event will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and presentations addressing the most pressing challenges and opportunities public service media is facing today – including sessions dedicated to existential challenges for public service media, promoting PSM value, youth engagement, innovation, AI and the change of the media landscape, and others.
Located in close proximity to the beautiful mountain of Vitosha, Sofia is one of Europe’s most ancient cities, a crossroad of civilizations since ancient times – home to Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. With its rich history, diverse culture, and growing role as a digital and creative hub in Southeast Europe, the city will provide an inspiring environment for conference discussions and networking.
BNR is looking forward to welcoming you in Sofia this autumn for a memorable and impactful conference!
Greetings from Milen Mitev, Director General of the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR)
Dear friends and colleagues, welcome to the 33rd Public Broadcasters International Conference!
We are honoured to host this inspiring global event in Sofia – our capital, where centuries of history blend with vibrant contemporary culture. As BNR celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, we are excited to welcome senior leaders and colleagues from across the globe for this important annual gathering of public service broadcasters.
PBI continues to be a unique platform for sharing insights, addressing challenges, and reaffirming our shared commitment to public service values. With this year’s theme, Making the Case for Public Service Broadcasters, we would like to highlight the value of PSM in an age of rapid change and growing uncertainty, to showcase the strength and importance of public broadcasting and to spark meaningful conversations and new collaborations.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sofia to another inspiring edition of PBI. Let us continue to support each other and drive our mission forward – serving the public with trust, independence and excellence.
Coming soon…
Programme overview
PBI 2025
20-22 October 2025, Sofia
Event venue
The PBI Conference will take place at Hyatt Regency Sofia – a 5-star hotel in the central part of Sofia.
50 Regency Standard rooms have been booked for PBI delegates at preferential rates, valid until 20 September.
Rates (in Euro): 160 € (single rate); 175 € (double rate)
For hotel reservations, please follow the pass-key instructions attached.
Bulgaria is not just a country – it is spirit, history, and ambition.
at the crossroads of East and West, North and South
, the
destiny of Europe has been forged for centuries.
A GLORIOUS PAST
Since its founding in 681 AD, Bulgaria has stood as one of Europe’s oldest states, preserving an unbroken identity. The First and Second Bulgarian Empires etched our name in history with their culture, literacy, and military strength. The Cyrillic alphabet, used today by over 300 million people worldwide, is Bulgaria’s gift to humanity. Under Tsar Simeon the Great, our nation became a center of knowledge, while the Bulgarian people's resistance during the Ottoman rule proved our indomitable spirit.
BULGARIA TODAY
Today, Bulgaria is a modern European nation, a proud member of the EU and NATO, with a rich cultural identity and a strategic role in the region. Our advancements in technology and innovation place us on the global map, while our traditions remain alive – from the mystical fire dances of the Nestinari to the world-renowned rose oil that makes Bulgaria a global leader. Sofia, our vibrant capital, pulses with contemporary energy, while our breathtaking nature – from the majestic Rhodope Mountains to the golden beaches of the Black Sea – is an invaluable treasure.
THE SPIRIT OF BULGARIA
Yet, Bulgaria’s true greatness lies in its people – talented, creative, and resilient. A nation that has endured hardships yet always moves forward with unwavering determination. Because Bulgarians carry within them a spirit that never surrenders.
Welcome to Bulgaria – where the past inspires the future!
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Elif Shafak
Novelist, essayist, public speaker, activist