site.btaBulgarian National Radio Receives Presidential Badge of Honour on 90th Anniversary

Head of State Rumen Radev presented the Presidential Badge of Honour to the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and its Director General Milen Mitev, during a gala concert at the Sofia Opera and Ballet dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the public media. The award was given "on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of BNR and for the consistent performance of its socially significant mission, and for its overall contribution to the formation and consolidation of the modern image and reputation both nationally and globally of Bulgarian journalism and Bulgarian culture".

"It is a pleasure for me to congratulate you on the 90th anniversary of BNR and together to express our gratitude to the work of generations of journalists and technical assistants of our national radio,” President Radev said. Having withstood many trials, historical turbulences and political pressures over the years, the radio has managed to preserve its most important mission - to reach every Bulgarian home, to provide timely and objective information and to enforce high standards in journalism. That is why it has become a true institution that has succeeded in the most important thing - to win the trust of the Bulgarians. That is why I am here to thank all of you - for your professionalism, dedication and civic courage," the head of State said in his address.

 “I should also express my gratitude to all those teams of the radio who have turned it into a cultural institute of Bulgaria. This mission has been set by Sirak Skitnik and has enabled the radio to educate, to enlighten, to preserve and develop our national identity. That is why I thank all the artists who have linked their destiny with BNR - the radio choirs, the creators of original music, the artists in the radio theatre,” Radev added.

Director General of the public broadcaster Milen Mitev said that 90 years is a big number and a big responsibility. “90 years during which thousands of our colleagues have left their work, their heart and soul in the Old House, so that today BNR is one of the most prestigious and respected media in the country and stands worthy in the big family of European public media. The 90 years in which BNR has evolved are due to the spirit of its people, who throughout this history have always treated the public and the microphone that connected them to it with respect,” he added.

Among those present at the concert were also National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova, Bulgarian Patriarch Daniil, MPs, Simeon Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, European Broadcasting Union Director General Noel Curran, Bulgarian News Agency Director General Kiril Valchev, members of the Council for Electronic Media, representatives of the Boards of the Bulgarian National Radio and the Bulgarian National Television, representatives of various state government institutions, diplomats, media representatives.

All the musical ensembles of the Bulgarian National Radio performed Bulgarian music of different genres at the festive concert. Jazz singer Vasil Petrov and soprano Krasimira Stoyanova performed too.