Athens-Macedonian News Agency marks new period under new leadership

The New Year’s cake-cutting ceremony of the Athens-Macedonian News Agency was held in a particularly warm atmosphere, attended by representatives of political and institutional leadership, journalists, employees, and partners of the Agency.

During the event, all participants emphasized the role of the Agency as a key pillar of information, as well as the importance of reliable and credible journalism during a period of increased challenges for the media, CE Report quotes ANA-MPA.

Wishes were also expressed for a creative year, aiming at further development and strengthening of the Agency.

The event also marked a new period for the Agency following the assumption of duties by the president, Aria Agatsa, who spoke about the goals and priorities for the coming period.

“Today is symbolic. It is not only a beautiful tradition, but also a moment of evaluation and at the same time a moment of promise — a promise for the year ahead,” said the new president of the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.

“The Agency is a historic institution that has served for decades as a key pillar of public information. It has covered crises, conflicts, political battles, national moments, and international developments. It has recorded history in real time. This history honors us, but it is not enough for us. Our mission remains clear at its core: accurate, impartial information. Fast reporting with absolute respect for the public interest.

However, the way we perform this mission must adapt to new conditions. We no longer live in an era where information is only text. News is image, sound, data, and live transmission. It is speed and reliability amid an information overload. I know that significant steps have been taken in this direction, but developments are so rapid that continuous adaptation and training are necessary. We aim to build a modern, organized, technologically upgraded, and outward-looking Agency — an institution that shapes not only the present but also the future of Greek journalism.

An organization that produces useful, interesting, reliable, original, and why not? competitive journalistic material. An organization that produces high-quality video content, utilizes data, and can communicate on equal terms with international networks, while also remaining sustainable, with a clear business plan, measurable goals, transparency, and proper management,” Ms. Agatsa said.

Concluding her speech, Ms. Agatsa stated: “I do not believe in grand words. I believe in systematic work, consistency, cooperation, and our collective effort. The Agency is primarily its people — reporters, technicians, translators, administrative staff, everyone who keeps the mechanism running every day. Let us see the coming year as an opportunity to give our best, to preserve what is valuable from the past, and to build our future with courage. With respect for our history, responsibility toward society, professionalism, transparency, and confidence.”

The CEO of the Agency, Christina-Dimitra Synarelli, also noted: “The Agency has struggled at times. It is time for it to change and, like a phoenix, be reborn from its ashes. A process has already begun for the development and financial sustainability of the Agency, so that we are no longer lagging behind and can stand on our own feet. I wish us a creative year, with good and interesting news, and to remain a pillar of reliability and credibility.”

The event was attended, among others, by MP Vasileios Grammenos, representing party leader Kyriakos Velopoulos of Greek Solution, as well as the ambassador of Algeria, Zaina Benhabouche, representatives of the embassies of Poland, Morocco, and Switzerland.

The event was also attended by representatives of various institutions and members of the Board of Directors of the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.