Cultural Forum: Online

The Potsdam Summit, organized by the EBU Culture Group, is normally held in the context of Prix Europa. This year, on account of the pandemic, we will host the debate online.

Our continent faces its greatest social and cultural crisis since the Second World War. The Covid-19 pandemic is putting our institutions and our deepest values to the test. Across Europe, public service radio has risen impressively to the challenge, providing anxious and isolated audiences with trusted information, connection and inspiration. 

At the same time, the technological and economic pressures for change in our industry will, if anything, increase. 

What will be the enduring legacy of this experience? And how should public service radio evolve to remain relevant to a new generation and at the heart of an open, democratic Europe?

Speakers will include:

• Mohit Bakaya, Controller, BBC Radio 4 (UK)
• Cilla Benkö, Chief Executive, Swedish Radio (Sweden)
• Noel Curran, Director General, European Broadcasting Union (Switzerland)
• Ivan Krastev, Founder member, European Council on Foreign Relations; Chair, Centre for Liberal Strategies, Sofia (Bulgaria)
• Eva Połońska-Kimunguyi, Research Fellow, Department of Media and Communications, London School of Economics (UK)
• Sandrine Treiner, Director, France Culture (France)
• Alexander Wrabetz, Director General, ORF (Austria)

Moderator:
Denis Nowlan, Head of Station Management, BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra (UK)

The debate will be on the afternoon of Friday 23 October 2020 - 14.30–16.00 CET. Practical details will be communicated in due course.