The inaugural meeting of the newly formed Eurovision Online Committee, tasked with fostering 'a digital way of doing things’ across the EBU community, took place in Madrid (14 June). 

The group of senior online, digital innovation and transmedia representatives from public service media (PSM) discussed plans to create an Online Fund to support innovation in digital storytelling, in line with the EBU tradition of sharing original ideas with the broader membership.

The meeting, hosted by EBU Member Cadena Ser, also brought members up to date on key media online projects including:

• SkillsXchange, which combines an online forum, talent scouting and an Erasmus-style programme for creative professionals working with public service broadcasters
• Digital Innovation Lab programme,  a series of visits, workshops, hackathons and other events planned to explore new ways of working, digital storytelling and innovative interactive formats
• Innovation and Social Media Database, a work tool providing inspiration and practical tips, which will be launched later this month
• A transmedia Eurovision Debate during the Cop21 climate summit in Paris, which will use social media content to engage audiences before, during and after the broadcast to stimulate a Europe-wide debate

The Online Committee will organise an assembly and summit in October, when elections will be held. The ambition is to expand the group to represent a wider cross-section of the EBU Community.

Committee members

Andy Conroy, Chief Operating Officer of BBC Future Media and Online, UK
Muirne Laffan, Managing-Director, RTE Digital, Ireland
Stijn Lehaen, Multimedia Director, VRT, Belgium
Fabrice Massin, Director of Interactive Media, RTBF, Belgium
Paolo Morawski, Secretary General of the Prix Italia, Rai, Italy
Carlos Relloso, Chief Digital Officer, Prisa Radio, Spain
Wilfried Runde, Head of Innovation Projects, DW, Germany