BTA Reports Progress and Reforms

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) presented its 2024 report to the Parliamentary Culture and Media Committee, receiving unanimous approval. Director General Kiril Valchev highlighted significant progress across five key goals: freedom, truth, knowledge, community, and memory, CE Report quotes BTA

Valchev emphasized that BTA news remains freely accessible for the third year running. Bolstered by BGN 2 million in state funding, the agency expanded its regional network, hired more editors, and extended its coverage hours. Staff numbers rose to 348, with salaries increasing by 70% since 2021—though Valchev warned they still lag behind sectors like education.

Editorial quality has also improved. Stories now include photo galleries and infographics, with ambitions to add video to each report. The agency’s social media presence has grown, and press releases from public institutions rose 20% over the previous year.

BTA deepened its international partnerships, sent reporters to every EU country for election coverage, and resumed monthly publication of its LIK magazine, including English, Spanish, and Japanese editions.

Community initiatives included organizing global Bulgarian media forums and installing memorial plaques honoring Bulgarian cultural figures abroad. Archives are being digitized, facilities modernized, and a public “World of News” park is in development.

Valchev reaffirmed BTA’s financial independence, accepting funds only from the state or EU-aligned organizations. He also introduced the custom-made LIK font, using authentic Bulgarian Cyrillic.