How to preserve and maintain society’s trust in public media — this is the central topic for participants in the media conference of the Public Media Alliance, which is being held in Sofia.

The event was opened by President Rumen Radev and BNR Director-General Milen Mitev. The forum brought together representatives of 24 public radio and television organisations from five continents, who exchanged experiences on how to deal with challenges such as funding shortages, loss of viewers/listeners due to new technologies, and maintaining quality journalism even under pressure.

The Secretary-General of the Public Media Alliance and Director of Editorial Policies & Standards at the BBC, David Jordan, noted: “We heard this morning the President of Bulgaria speak passionately about the importance of freedom of expression and journalism. I am truly encouraged that I heard a Bulgarian President say that — as I would be encouraged if I heard any politician say something similar anywhere in the world. We need that perspective, that attitude. It is our job to ensure that facts remain inviolate and that we continue to deliver them to society.”

According to Robert Šveb, Director of the Croatian Radio and Television, even with the advent of artificial intelligence, the role of journalists will not disappear: “At some point people will learn how to think critically about everything they see online, and they will need verification from someone they can trust. That is public media.”

And Jean‑Philippe de Tander, Deputy Director-General of the European Broadcasting Union, said: “Public media are so important for democracy. We see that politics is under pressure because people enter it for their personal interests. Public media in fact always serve the audience. It’s wonderful to see that so many people in Europe and in Bulgaria are working for the independence of public media, really defending them and creating great content.”