Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues and distinguished guests, it is an honour to speak in a space where Africa and Europe meet — two continents linked by history, exchange and a shared responsibility to guarantee citizens free, reliable information serving the public good.

Public-service media are guardians of democracy. They enlighten citizens, build social cohesion and remind us that truth must never be a luxury but a fundamental right.

In Africa, public-service journalists often work with limited equipment and uncertain resources, yet their resilience and creativity remain remarkable. Examples across the continent show broadcasters combining education, digital innovation, national cohesion and multiplatform distribution to remain close to their audiences.

The challenges are first economic. Public broadcasters often face uncertain funding, declining advertising revenue and intense pressure on state budgets. But trust is just as important as money. Editorial independence remains a central issue: how can public media serve the nation without becoming the voice of temporary political power?

Technology creates another divide. In some communities radio remains the only accessible window on the world, even as digital transformation accelerates elsewhere. African public media must therefore combine universal access with innovation.

Content sovereignty is equally important. Global platforms flood screens with external narratives, making it essential for Africans to tell their own stories, in their own words, emotions and rhythms.

AUB brings together more than 85 members and supports cooperation through AUBVision, professional training, international partnerships and reflection on digital, financial and ethical challenges. Its ambition is that every African should be able to see a continent that is strong, plural, vibrant and free.

Africa and Europe face many of the same problems: disinformation, declining public trust, fragile business models and rapid digital change. Their responses can enrich one another. Africa can learn from European governance, financing and archiving models, while Europe can learn from the resilience, creativity and collective spirit of African newsrooms.

The goal should be a renewed public-service media culture that truly serves citizens. Like the African griot, public media should not only inform but also bring communities together.