November 12, 2024
VRT and RTBF Host Tafelspitz: Shaping the Future of Public Service Media in Europe
VRT and RTBF had the pleasure of hosting #Tafelspitz, an informal gathering of CEOs and European affairs managers from public broadcasters in Western and Northern Europe. Frederik Delaplace, Jean-Paul Philippot, and all participants discussed the future of public service media in Europe, exploring both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Key topics included strategies to combat misinformation, enhance media plurality, and engage young audiences on EU topics.
The discussions covered various initiatives across European broadcasters, such as SRG-SSR’s educational program on distinguishing fact from fake news, NRK’s media partnerships to support plurality, and RTBF’s innovative formats for engaging younger generations on EU matters. Additional focal points included NPO’s digital transition, Yle’s personalized login services, and SR’s success in reaching young listeners with traditional radio formats. Other transformations addressed long-term strategies, including ORF’s Strategy 2030 and VRT’s shift from a “house of brands” to a unified brand approach.
In times of geopolitical shifts, major demographic changes, and evolving media habits, public service media is more essential than ever in nurturing trust, diversity, and continuity within European democracies.
VRT and RTBF reaffirm their commitment to stand together with our European partners, strengthening these core values to stay meaningful and connected to all our audiences. Gatherings like these remind us of the importance of sharing insights informally, supporting each other, and building lasting collaborations. By exchanging ideas and experiences, we can continue to improve our service to the public and keep raising the bar together.
The meeting took place in the beautiful Villa Empain in Brussels on November 14 and at De Warande on November 15. At Villa Empain, participants enjoyed a guided tour of the impressive exhibition by Belgian artist Pierre Alechinsky. Organized by the Boghossian Foundation and curated by Catherine De Braekeleer, the exhibition runs until March 2025 and celebrates the work of the Cobra movement painter. The foundation describes the exhibition as an ode to freedom, experimentation, and friendship—a wonderful and fitting setting for a gathering of Western and Northern European public service media organizations.
