Lucerne, 3 May 2011 – Ruurd Bierman, from Dutch Public Broadcaster NPO, was re-elected chairman of the EBU Television Committee this afternoon in a vote that wrapped up the 17th EBU Television Assembly, in Lucerne, Switzerland. The EBU TV Assembly delivers a unique opportunity for TV Directors and decision-makers to discuss key ideas and strategies in television production and programming.

A simple show of hands meant sole candidate Ruurd Bierman  was re-elected for his second term that will run for two years.  He was voted by more than two thirds of the majority.  The other 12 Committee places, including  three vice chairmanships, were also filled.

Accepting the appointment, Ruurd Bierman  said “Public Service Broadcasters have an important role to play in an increasingly fragmented society. If we are willing to adapt to the challenges of the digital world I am sure we will fulfil our role with commitment and success.”

The new Committee will now be composed of:

Chairman:  Ruurd Bierman, NPO (The Netherlands)
Vice Chairpersons: Riitta Pihlajamäki, YLE (Finland)
Jean Philip De Tender, VRT (Belgium)
Steve Carson, RTE (Ireland)
Committee: Sylvie Faiderbe, MFP (France)
Christian Blankenburg, ARD (Germany)
Fatima El Moumen, SNRT (Morocco)
Arne Helsingen, NRK (Norway)
Kate Phillips, BBC (UK)
Maria Nadolna, TVP (Poland)
Antonio Ribeiro, RTP (Portugal)
Ekaterina Orlova, RTR (Russian Federation)
Federico Llano, TVE (Spain) 

As well as presenting Eurovision TV achievements in 2010 and goals for 2011, EBU’s TV Director a.i. Jørgen Franck presented Eurovision TV’s 10 core projects including the Eurovision Song Contest in Düsseldorf, taking place next week, and the subsequent Eurovision Young Dancers that will take place in Oslo on 24 June.  

Anthony Rose, former Chief Technology Officer of YouView, also provided an inspiring keynote speech on 'Public Service TV 2020' highlighting how broadcasters should reinvent their TV channels into media services.