The launch of the Digital Storytelling Network programme by the Eurovision Media Online team has taken place in Madrid, hosted by EBU Member and Spanish broadcaster RTVE.

The programme aims to connect digital labs across the EBU community to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, as well as to find opportunities to collaborate on the creation of digital products and formats.

The RTVE Lab, made up of designers, developers, journalists and multi-media editors, addresses shifts in media consumption habits.

During a presentation to participants, Miriam Hernanz who heads the RTVE LAB said: “Building bridges between traditional broadcasting and new ways of storytelling is both a priority and a challenge for public service media. We saw this early on, and since 2011, the LAB has been exploring how best to connect with digital audiences. We seek to put users at the centre of our strategies, to reflect new ways of consuming content."

Participants at the Madrid meeting included representatives from VRT Start-Up, DW Innovation, RTS Digital Lab, SWR E-Lab, SR Digital Innovation, the BBC Digital Innovation Unit, and the RTBF Interactivity Department. 

The event is the first in a planned series of visits, workshops and hackathons focusing on digital storytelling and innovative transmedia and interactive projects.