Exploring new frontiers in media and the EU cultural industry

Brussels – Media and the strategic autonomy of the European Union. A crucial moment for debate on the competitiveness of the European media industry, which is undergoing a profound political and technical transformation, and is facing new challenges posed by the advancement of artificial intelligence. This will be the theme of the event organized by Connact, the platform of events that encourages debate between private actors and institutions through meetings and networking, in Brussels on Thursday, 2 October, at the Paul-Henri Spaak building of the European Parliament. The Connact Media table, bringing together institutions and media representatives, entitled “The New Frontiers of EU Information and Cultural Industries,” was organized in collaboration with the European Parliament. Themes. At this historic moment, preserving the EU’s strategic autonomy in the publishing and cultural spheres is also vital for the defense of European values: the European Democracy Shield Commission’s initiative aligns with this goal. How to ensure the resilience of the EU cultural industry? Are the Media Freedom Act, the AI Act, and the Digital Market Act able, in their implementation, to defend the freedom of the press and freedom of expression, to protect the pluralism of voices and the independence of journalistic work, to guarantee the development of the media industry and its ability to hold its own in global competition with large online platforms? Are copyright protection and state aid rules adequate for the new media challenges? This will be discussed by the guests at the event, including the Under-Secretary with responsibility for publishing, Alberto Barachini. 

The program: The Under-Secretary will deliver the opening speech. After the keynote speech by Roberto Viola, Director General DG CONNECT and AI of the EU Commission, the speakers will be the MEP Stefano Cavedagna, Vice-Chair of the EUDS Committee and member of the IMCO, ENVI Committees, Lucia Annunziata, MEP PD/S&D, AFET, INTA, SEDE Committees, Gaetano Pedullà, MEP, ECON, ITRE, IMCO, LIBE Committees, Gina Nieri, Gruppo MFE- MediaForEurope, Board Member, Lino Morgante, President of ADS, Chairman and Editorial Director of Società Editrice Sud SpA and Rodolfo Cardarelli, ANSA, Deputy Manager International Business Unit. Alessandra Ravetta, Editor-in-Chief of Prima Comunicazione and Director of primaonline.it will moderate the debate.

The event is organized by Connact in cooperation with the European Parliament Office in Italy and the Italian Initiative Group, and promoted by MediaForEurope. Media partners Eunews, Gea Agency, L’Infografica, and ANSA. Click here to register.

To follow the event in streaming, click here.