BBC’s Tony Hall Elected President of EBU

BBC Director General Tony Hall has been elected as the new president of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), while Delphine Ernotte Cunci, CEO of France Télévisions, will serve as VP.

Both were elected by absolute majority at the EBU’s 80th General Assembly in Tirana. They will take up the new roles from January 1, 2019, for a two-year period.

Hall said: “I am delighted to be elected President of the EBU. It is an organization—both across Europe and globally—with a proud history that has improved broadcasting standards and helped bring forward the adoption of new technologies and innovation.

“Public service broadcasting (PSB) has never been more important and it plays a crucial role—not just in providing impartial news—but in producing programmes that reflect the lives and aspirations of the public it serves.

“But, in a globalized world, public service broadcasting faces a number of challenges, with changing viewing habits and new ways of consuming news. How PSBs adapt and indeed lead change is something I think we can work on together to the benefit of those we serve.”

Ernotte Cunci commented: “I am very happy to join and perpetuate the long and vibrant tradition of cooperation between France Télévisions and all its European colleagues. Beyond defending our independence and our values, reinforcing cooperation and solidarity among our Members will be our next challenge.

“Faced with the rise of global platforms and the emergence of programs that transcend borders, it is only if we join forces throughout Europe that will we be able to reaffirm our role as media service providers to all audiences.

“I am convinced that only a truly collective approach will enable us to meet the challenges ahead and create the conditions for regaining our audiences. Such is the belief that has brought me to defend public service media in France. The same conviction will guide me at a European level for the duration of the mandate entrusted to me by the Members of the EBU.”