TheEBUis an alliance of Europes pubcasters.
It also gathers its membership to chew over everything from tech and AI to funding questions.
Deadline managed to get some time in Ernotte Cuncis diary for an exclusive interview.
Delphine Ernotte CunciEBU
Ernotte Cunci:Our role is the most important in times of crisis.
I think our mission is to stand by our communities, our people.
Today, we have a strong link with our audience.
Were here for entertainment, were here for news, were here for everything in peoples daily life.
This link is our main asset in these very challenging times.
We need to stand by the people by providing independent and trusted news and doing investigative journalism.
Ernotte Cunci:We have the CEO of Ukrainian Public TV in the EBU.
In the East, its more about political pressures on PSM.
In our Western countries, its more funding pressures.
DEADLINE: The EBU top brass was in Brussels last week.
Are you managing to convince politicians of the need for public service media?
Ernotte Cunci:We took the opportunity to see some commissioners and some Members of the European Parliament.
One of my main messages was about support for independent public media because independence is a condition for trust.
Independent public media is not just a question of cultural sovereignty, its not a question of soft power.
No, its a question of national security.
Its a question of power.
No, communication in a conflict is just as key as [real] weapons.
How can they remain relevant?
Ernotte Cunci:In France, our first channel is our platform.
Its not the linear.
The only way to keep that link to everybody is to distribute content on various channels and platforms.
The European Union has done its job and the rules are there.
The question today is are we going to apply the rules?
DEADLINE: Are you concerned AI services are learning models are being built using PSM content?
Ernotte Cunci:AI is both an opportunity and a threat.
First, we need to set up standards better.
The answer is no.
The answer is no.
Were asking for proper reward and recognition of our brands.
Were asking for the sources to be quoted.
DEADLINE: Huge amounts are invested in programming across Europe, but funding is under pressure.
Is original European content facing a funding crisis?
The likes of Netflix and Disney wont increase their investment because now they need to look for profitability.
I think the overall amount invested in Europe on content is not going to grow.
What is the answer?
Ernotte Cunci:We have ways to cope with it.
The second way is to make agreements with Netflix [and streamers].
We can find agreements with them and share the rewards.
Were not doing the exactly the same job, because we are free whereas they are not.
There are a lot of better ways that all of the people investing in fiction can cooperate.
DEADLINE: Is a levy on the international streamers to support the production of local content a workable solution?
Ernotte Cunci:If they invest in drama locally, Im in favor of that.
In France, for instance, they are committed to invest and its a great thing.
I dont feel that Netflix and Disney are our main competitors.
I think they are actors in a very competitive sector and they have their own issues though.
There are now many SVOD platforms and they may see some constraints with concentration in the future.
DEADLINE: Lets talk social media.
How can PSM embrace social while also mitigating against the threats it presents?
Theres no question about using and being on those social media platforms.
Its very poor in social media.
DEADLINE: What is your hope for the future of Europes public service media services?
Ernotte Cunci:My main concern is continuing to be a reference point in the future.
and then they come and check with us, I think we are in the right place.
Ernotte Cunci:The motto of Eurovision is united by music, and we need to be united.
We have discussions on how can to grow the brand because its huge and its positive.
The 2025 venue in Basel is tremendous.
