Europe’s political and economic climate is becoming increasingly challenging for public service media. Across many countries, broadcasters are facing growing pressure - financially, structurally, and sometimes politically - while continuing to defend their public service mission and cultural responsibilities.
In this context, cultural programming often finds itself in a fragile position. Music, arts and other “niche” cultural content can be among the first areas affected when budgets tighten, priorities shift, or political pressure increases. At the same time, public service broadcasters are expected to reflect artistic diversity, support cultural expression, and remain editorially independent in increasingly polarised societies.
This panel brings together commissioners and public value experts from across Europe to discuss how these realities are shaping decision-making today.
• How are priorities evolving?
• How do broadcasters balance public value, audience expectations, editorial independence and institutional pressure?
• And how can public service media continue to safeguard cultural diversity in a rapidly changing political and media environment?
Through concrete examples and practical experiences, the discussion will explore the challenges of commissioning and defending cultural content at a time when the role of public service media itself is increasingly being debated.
Panelists:
• Agnė Biliūnaitė
Culture Editor, LRT (Lithuania)
She is a cultural content editor at the Lithuanian National Broadcaster. She is
a co-founder of the Lithuanian Theatre Centre, an editor of the magazine *Kultūros
kurortas*, and a cultural producer. Previously, she worked as a Lithuanian cultural
attaché in China and South Korea and as a producer at the Lithuanian National Opera
and Ballet Theatre. She holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Policy and Cultural Man
agement and a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Asian Studies.
• Henriette Engbersen
Head of Public Value, SRG (Switzerland)
After graduating in Journalism and Communication from ZHAW (Zurich University of Applied Sciences), she worked as video journalist at «Tele Ostschweiz» in St. Gallen from 2006 - 2008.From 2008 she was the Eastern Switzerland correspondent for SRF and switched to Tagesschau in 2013. In 2016, she completed a Master’s degree at ZHdK (Zurich University of the Arts) in Visual Communication. From 2017 to 2022,she worked as a SRF’s foreign correspondent in London, and since February 2023, she has been Head of the Public Value
at SRG.
• Martin Traxl
Head of Culture Department / TV, ORF (Austria)
Born in Villach, Austria, Martin Traxl studied journalism and dramatics and has worked for ORF since 1987. After roles as a journalist, arts presenter and news anchor, he held senior cultural leadership positions, including programme coordination for 3sat. Since 2007, he has headed the ORF Culture Department.
• Fabrizio Zappi
Director of Culture and Education, RAI (Italy)
Fabrizio Zappi is serving as the Director of RAI Cultura and Educational. Previously, he was Head of RAI Documentari and Deputy Director of RAI Fiction. Besides his work at RAI, he has been teaching at various Italian universities and training facilities.
Moderators:
• Ella Petersson
Commissioning Editor, SVT
Commissioning editor and executive producer responsible for classical concerts and music documentaries at SVT Swedish Television. Former Head of P2 the classical music channel at SR Swedish Radio. She is also TV-host for a Quizshow in arts, literature and classical music.
• Cecilia Beacon
VP Content & Engagement, Marquee TV
Cecilia Beacon has over 20 years’ experience leading content and marketing teams for international brands, including six years at BBC Studios overseeing EMEA programming, marketing and global customer engagement. She previously held senior roles at National Geographic, Fox and FX, where she won awards for digital innovation.
Free entry with prior reservation.