London: The British capital plays host to the 94th General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) this week, as media professionals and public service broadcasters from across the globe gather to mark a milestone the EBU's 75th anniversary. The summit is taking place at the BBC's iconic headquarters, with representation from over 50 nations. Among the distinguished attendees is Vatican Radio, represented by Alessandro Gisotti, Deputy Editorial Director of Vatican Media.
Founded in 1950, the EBU has grown into a vital platform for dialogue and innovation among public service media. Vatican Radio, a founding member, continues to play an active role in the Union’s efforts to foster collaboration and uphold ethical journalism. Mr. Gisotti’s presence at the London summit underscores the Vatican’s enduring commitment to responsible, values-driven communication.
This year’s gathering is not only a celebration of EBU’s rich history but also a strategic forum to explore the media landscape's rapidly evolving challenges. Delegates will address critical topics such as press freedom, misinformation, the influence of AI in journalism, and the digital future of streaming services. Sustainability of public broadcasting and strategies to preserve social cohesion in divided societies will also feature prominently in discussions.
The EBU is known worldwide for initiatives like the Eurovision Song Contest and the Eurovision News Exchange, which facilitate cultural and news content sharing across borders. These programs are emblematic of the EBU’s broader mission: to innovate, inform, and unite people through media.
Vatican Radio’s participation in the summit comes at a time of renewed reflection on its missionary legacy. Pope Leo XIV recently visited the Vatican’s transmission facility at Santa Maria di Galeria, where he praised the station’s decades-long service to isolated communities, particularly during his years as a missionary in Latin America and Africa. The Pope described Vatican Radio as a “lifeline of faith and truth”, reaching even the remotest corners of the globe when few others could.
As the world of communication enters a new technological era, Vatican Radio’s role within the EBU remains one of both tradition and transformation striving to use every available means to bring the message of hope to the margins of society. This year’s summit in London reaffirms that vision, offering a space for reflection, renewal, and the strengthening of global media solidarity.