The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has appointed Noel Curran as its new DG.
He will succeed Ingrid Deltenre and take up the position in September.
Curran is the former DG, MD of television and editor of current affairs of RTÉ, Ireland’s national television and radio broadcaster. As DG, he radically restructured RTÉ following the financial crisis that began at the end of 2008 and successfully positioned it as a robust digital media organization. A strong and long-time advocate of public service media, he is also an award winning investigative journalist and producer.
Commenting on the appointment, Jean-Paul Philippot, president of the EBU (RTBF/BE), said: “We are delighted to welcome Noel Curran as the new Director General of the EBU.
“Noel was the candidate of choice in what was an extremely strong list of candidates. He impressed us with his sound public service values, his operational experience and his understanding of the public service media ecosystem within today’s rapidly evolving media environment. His leadership experience as DG of RTÉ will be invaluable as the EBU moves towards the next chapter in its history. I am confident he will do a very good job for the EBU, for all our members, and for public service media.”
Curran added: “There is now, more than ever, a compelling case for what public service media does, and what the members of the RBU do, day in, day out. The EBU represents some of the finest media organisations, content-makers and journalists in the world. The position of DG is a huge honour, and I will work with the membership to seize every opportunity and to move ahead with the changes necessary to secure the future of public service media. I look forward to working with Jean-Paul, with the EBU team and with our Members, from all regions in the EBU, to serve our audiences’ needs.”
Ingrid Deltenre, who has led the EBU since 2010, decided to step down this year to focus her attention on her board responsibilities.