PPRIX EUROPA Brunch

A unique, informal and inspiring meeting point at PRIX EUROPA - share experiences, discuss challenges and have a coffee with colleagues from all over Europe.

Friday, 11 October, 10:00 – 14:00

Journalism under pressure in this Super Election Year  
with Henry Zeffman from the BBC, moderated by Rhian Roberts (BBC) and Mattias Hermansson (SR)

Cracking the code the hard way: Engaging Europe’s digital youth through bold public service media
moderated by Kåre V. Poulsen (DR) 

10:00 Journalism under pressure in this Super Election Year  

The first session of the PRIX EUROPA Brunch focuses on Political Journalism. 2024 is the Super Election Year when billions of people go to the polls; a dramatic time when democracy is being tested in many parts of the world, and political conversation is increasingly polarized. 

Political journalism based in rigour and truth is more important than ever and getting ever tougher as media outlets themselves become the focus of the story.

To start the day Henry Zeffman, chief political correspondent at the BBC, will share his insights and reflections. Henry Zeffman was right at the heart of covering the UK Election for the BBC on tv, radio and online, witnessing many of the big moments first hand and running round the country to report the opinions of voters. Drawn to politics from a young age, spending time as Washington correspondent and as a leading newspaper journalist, Henry is very well-placed to share his thoughts on the challenges of journalism under pressure.

After Henry Zeffmans presentation there will be an open debate with invited journalists from different parts of Europe that discuss the challenges for public media covering politics in polarized landscapes with increasingly fragmented media habits. 

From German public media Mirja Fiedler will join the discussion as a special invited guest. Mirja is an anchor, correspondent and head of newsroom for German public broadcasters. She works for the main TV news programs "NDR Info" in Hamburg covering the five northern states and world news, and is also reporting from Berlin and Brandenburg for the daily national news programs of ARD , among them "Tagesschau", "Tagesthemen", "ARD-Morgenmagazin" and more.

Swedish Radios Berlin-based correspondent Daniel Alling is also a special invited guest, with a background as correspondent in London and Washington and formerly also a popular talkshow host in SR P1.

All participants at PRIX EUROPA are welcome to join this brunch session with questions and reflections. This session is moderated by Rhian Roberts, Commissioner Podcasts & Formats BBC Radio 4 and Head of Digital, Speech Audio together with Mattias Hermansson, Project Manager and Analyst at Swedish Radio.

12:00 Cracking the code the hard way: Engaging Europe’s digital youth through bold public service media

In an era of TikToks, memes, and short attention spans, how can public service media remain relevant to Europe's digital youth? This masterclass, led by moderator Kåre Vedding Poulsen from DR, explores cutting-edge strategies from across the continent. From immersive storytelling to groundbreaking formats, we'll dissect real-world case studies - and spark bold discussions. Ready to redefine engagement and make your content resonate with the next generation? Dive in with us at PRIX EUROPA!

12:00 - 12:05 - Introduction by Kåre Vedding Poulsen
How tricky is it really to engage youth through innovative public service media?

12:05 - 12:25- Strula (SVT)
This Swedish teen series follows high school students navigating relationships, friendships, and life's many challenges. Strula is a romantic drama set amidst the tumultuous experience of teenage life. In the upcoming season eight, the characters finally turn 18—adults at last! No more fake IDs! As they embrace newfound freedom, with wild parties and casual relationships, they also face fresh challenges. The series delves into important issues like sexually transmitted diseases, financial struggles, and the darker side of fame.

12:25 - 12:45- Club Lees (VPRO)
Club Lees is an online-only title by Dutch broadcaster VPRO for a young target group (app. age 15-30). Club Lees is all about the love of reading and turns it into a social experience, with a deadline. Each five weeks, the cross-media programme comprises a digital book in the custom Club Lees app, annotated and enriched with content; short-form content on Instagram and TikTok; plus a digital meet-up with readers.

12:45 - 13:10 - Cassandra (RAI)
A unique initiative by Italy's RAI, 'Cassandra' uses AI and cross platform interactive storytelling to engage youth in critical discussions about future challenges. The project targets a young audience and emphasizes interaction with young students, offering them the opportunity to engage with the characters and the narrative universe of Cassandra through innovative digital platforms and languages familiar to them: A short film, an Alternate Realty Game, fictional SoMe profiles and a ‘Cassandra’ themed GTP.

13:10 - 13:30 Mystery Train (MysteeriJuna – YLE, Finland)
This Finnish project is an escape room-style game set on a train. The project creatively combines public service media with interactive gaming to engage young audiences in coding, problem-solving and logical thinking.

13:30 - 13:50- LURAD (Fooled) - How SVT Started a Troll Factory
In "LURAD," SVT delves into the murky world of misinformation and digital deception by taking part of it. The series aims to take public service and journalism to the edge, revealing the thin line between truth and manipulation in the attention economy.

13:50 – 14:00 – Round up.

Register now with press@prixeuropa.eu