A European news summit organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Italian broadcaster RAI highlighted Vatican Radio’s contribution to coverage of the papal transition by providing authoritative and timely information during the period from the death of Francis to the election of Pope Leo XIV.
By Vatican News
Press freedom, the media and the war in Gaza, the challenge of Artificial Intelligence were among the topics addressed at the News Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), held in Naples in recent days at the invitation of Italy’s national public broadcaster, RAI (Radiotelevisione italiana).
At the beginning of the Assembly, Italian journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, the target of a cowardly intimidation attack earlier this month, joined remotely, with European colleagues who expressed solidarity and gratitude for his courageous investigative journalism work over the years.
During the summit, which saw the participation of reporters from across Europe, the Report on EBU’s activities during this intense year for the world of information was presented. In particular, in the section dedicated to the Radio Group (RANG), participants emphasized that “collaborative strength was manifested significantly during coverage of the Pope’s funeral and the subsequent Conclave, when Alessandro Gisotti of Vatican Radio provided updates, explanations, and details on the course of events.” This sharing, the report continues, “ensured timely and coordinated coverage for EBU members, highlighting the fundamental role of the group in supporting public service media with reliable, up-to-date information in real time.”
During the conference, the EBU News Committee was renewed, with the election of Pierre Volet of Swiss Radio and Television as president. The annual awards for journalistic excellence were also presented. The Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne won the 2025 Gunnar Høidahl Award for “the resilience and professionalism demonstrated in extremely difficult circumstances over the three and a half years following the Russian invasion of their country.”
The Algerian television station EPTV won the Foreign News Award for its reporting on the war in Gaza. According to the award citation, EPTV’s coverage “was essential in helping members report on the dramatic situation on the ground, especially when Israeli authorities blocked access to the territory for international media.”
