A record 103 participants representing more than 50 organizations – many for the first time – attended last week’s annual Eurovision Contacts Meeting in Geneva and nearby Chamonix.

Delegates were given a unique insight into the operations of the Geneva Eurovision News Exchange, which is in the process of being revised to enhance efficiency, transparency and effectiveness.   

In her opening address, Organising Editorial Subcommittee chair Gudrun Gutt stressed the importance of fostering a strong News Exchange network that helps EBU Members cover news around the clock, reliably and with speed.

Other highlights of the event included a discussion on the need for a paradigm shift in journalism  – from ‘negative’ to ‘constructive’ journalism by Ulrik Haagerup, Executive Director of News (DR, Denmark) and a special ‘Special Events’ session comprising live inserts from feedpoints in Donetsk, Kiev, Abuja, and Cannes.

Delegates were also updated on the revised rules of the News Exchange; effective newsroom use of Twitter; a session on how to improve the quality of news items offered to the Exchange, and the possibilities of the Transition-to-File (TTF) project –  a solution for file contribution and distribution.

The Eurovision Contacts Meeting brings together news, sports and special events contacts for two days of sharing, learning and networking.