EANA Autumn Conference in Athens highlights innovative character and resilience of news agencies
Athens, 26 September 2025 – The European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA) convened its Autumn Conference in Athens from 24 to 26 September, bringing together the leaders of Europe’s strongest news agencies to address the topic of managing news agencies during challenging times.
Amid growing pressures on the media ecosystem, the discussions in Athens underscored both the fragility and the resilience of the news agency model. Executives shared strategies to balance financial sustainability with their core mission of providing trustworthy, independent journalism at a time when platforms are seemingly not favouring news, advertising revenues are increasingly fragmented, and audiences turn to new formats such as AI-generated search and others.
The conference highlighted bold approaches to overcoming these challenges. Martha Riemsma, the CEO of ANP, Emily Shelley, the CEO of PA Media, Fabrice Fries, President of AFP and outgoing EANA President, Kiril Valchev, Director general of BTA and Jaroslav Kabele, Director General of CTK presented innovative models that go beyond traditional news agency business, including novel barter systems with media clients, expansion into non-media commercial services, and new forms of international cooperation, with the integration of new technologies at the core. The common thread running through these strategies is a determination to safeguard the value of verified information, while ensuring news agencies remain competitive in an environment increasingly marked by the growth of global platforms and shifting news consumers’ behaviours.
The keynote of the conference was delivered by Mitali Mukherjee, director of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, who gave the participants an overview of how the public views AI integration by media organisations.
Participants stressed that trustworthiness remains news agencies’ strongest currency. By investing in technology, diversifying revenue streams, and reinforcing their international partnerships, Europe’s news agencies are adapting to the realities of a post-search, AI-enabled media landscape. The EANA Autumn Conference in Athens reaffirmed that trust, innovation, and collaboration are not only the pillars of news agency development, but also the foundations for their continued role as indispensable providers of reliable information to societies worldwide.
The EANA Autumn Conference in Athens was hosted by EANA member ANA-MPA, and sponsored by Athens Technology Center (ATC). "For Athens Technology Center (ATC), being part of these conversations is not only about showcasing innovation but also about reaffirming our commitment to the values that define quality journalism: credibility, trust, and connection with audiences.” , says a statement from the sponsor.
Opening remarks were delivered by Fabrice Fries, President of AFP, Aimilios Perdikaris, Chairman of the Board of ANA-MPA, and Pavlos Marinakis, Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister and spokesperson of the Government of Greece.
Media contact: Alexandru Giboi - secretarygeneral@newsalliance.org
