Reflections on Public Service Media, an International Perspective

On Monday 9 November 2026, PMA member VRT is hosting Reflections on Public Service Media, an International Perspective in Brussels, a public event for internal and external stakeholders from 12:45 to 14:30.

Public broadcasters across Europe and beyond are facing similar questions. How can they safeguard their independence, remain relevant to citizens and strengthen public service media in a rapidly changing media landscape? Speakers from Europe and Canada will share their experiences and reflect on the role and future of public service media.

​First, Professor Péter Bajomi-Lázár of Budapest Business School will talk about the situation in Hungary and the challenges facing public service media there, against the backdrop of recent political developments.

This will be followed by an interview with Mr. Claude Galipeau, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at CBC/Radio-Canada and Chair of the Public Media Alliance (PMA). Drawing on the Canadian context, he will share his views on the future of public service media in a geopolitically unstable world. He will also discuss how CBC/Radio-Canada relates to its large neighbour, the United States, with which Canada shares strong linguistic, cultural and media ties.

A panel discussion will then bring together Prof. Péter Bajomi-Lázár (Budapest Business School), Claude Galipeau (CBC/Radio-Canada), Karen Donders (Director, Public Value, Talent & Organisation, VRT and PMA board member), Kristian Porter (CEO, Public Media Alliance) and Teresa Muñoz Guerra (Director International Relations, RTVE, and PMA board member). They will discuss shared challenges such as political and institutional independence, sustainable funding, the continuing need to demonstrate public value, and the position of local media players vis-à-vis major technology platforms.

With this event, we bring together policymakers, journalists, media professionals and other stakeholders around a question that concerns us all: how can we protect and strengthen independent, trustworthy and authentic public service media in a changing society? These international perspectives offer valuable insights, including for the debate in Flanders.

If you would like to attend, please email your RSVP to editor@publicmediaalliance.org. Spaces available on a first come, first served basis.

Additionally, this event will be followed by a closed roundtable for PMA members and other public service media.

Please let us know by 30 October 2026 if you will be able to attend either or both events.