BBC’s DG 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.
In a statement, the EBU says that both were elected by absolute majority at the EBU’s 80th General Assembly in Tirana today (June 29) and take up the new roles from January 1, 2019 for a two-year period.
The EBI adds that Tony Hall and Delphine Ernotte Cunci will lead the EBU’s Executive Board and help champion the value and importance of public service media across Europe.
Hall has been the DG of the BBC since April 2013 and first joined the Corporation in 1973. He said: “I am delighted to be elected pesident of the EBU. It is an organisation – 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 globalised 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.”
Cunci was appointed CEO of France Télévisions in 2015, prior to which she spent 26 years at Orange, previously known as France Télécom. She said: “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.”
Hall and Cunci will replace Jean-Paul Philippot (RTBF) and Monica Maggioni (RAI) who have served as president and VP for ten years and three years respectively.