In a wide-ranging press conference, hosted in Paris, but connected to over 20 cities worldwide, Michael Peters, CEO of international news channel Euronews, has set out the broadcaster’s ambitions as it approaches its 20th birthday. These were covered in 20 major announcements, driven by what Peters described as “the only question” in today’s media environment: “How to survive and thrive.”

Among the initiatives are the launch of the first 24/7 Greek news channel in December 2012; the opening of a second local newsroom in the Hungarian capital Budapest in March 2013; the opening of new bureaux in Washington, Istanbul and Dubai, and the announcement of a move in 2014 to a new, 10,000 sq. m. world headquarters in the Confluence district of Lyon.

In addition, the channel’s on-screen look – last refreshed in 2008 – is set for complete transformation. Radical design features and screen layout are in the works, in a version to celebrate 20 years of Euronews broadcasting.

Euronews is also expanding its global footprint with the creation of Euronews network, which aims to become the world’s largest network of international partners. Euronews is in talks with its 21 broadcaster sgareholders to add them to this network. As Euronews Network members, media groups will gain access to à la carte content for their TV, mobile and online platforms.

Peters confirmed that 95 per cent of the world’s TV manufacturers had included a Euronews app in their Smart TV products, and that the broadcaster would soon be announcing new global agreements and unveiling Smart TV pilot projects.
A connected, built-in, on-board multimedia system ‘R-Link’ – previewed at the recent Paris Car Show by French car-maker Renault – will allow access to Euronews’ latest news in various language versions.

Euronews is also launching a universal application for iPad and iPhone, freely downloadable immediately at App Store, as well as its own radio station, available via the apps as well as online.

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