Journalism Awards and a Discussion on Trust and Artificial Intelligence Bring Together the Media and Academic Communities
The “Golden Pen” Award of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists was presented to Natalia Chesmedzhieva, Director of Radio Varna, and Panko Anchev, literary critic, historian and publicist, during the academic event “Media, Arts, Artificial Intelligence,” held at the International House of Journalists in Varna. The event was organized by the Varna branch of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists and the Faculty of Social, Economic and Computer Sciences at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
Natalia Chesmedzhieva emphasized that the award is particularly valuable because it comes from colleagues who know first-hand the responsibility and challenges of the journalistic profession. She noted that the distinction is recognition of the dedication and professionalism of the entire Radio Varna team.
The award presented to Panko Anchev is a sign of respect for his longstanding contribution to Bulgarian literature, journalism and publicist writing, as well as marking his 80th birthday. He continues to play an active role in the public and intellectual dialogue on literature, culture and contemporary developments.
The “Brilliant Ibis” Award of the Varna Journalists’ Association was presented to Ivan Barbov and Aleksandar Yordanov, hosts of Radio Varna’s morning programme “The New Day,” as well as to Petar Doykinski, a reporter at the Regional Television Centre – Varna. The young journalists received the distinction for their professionalism and for the trust they have earned among their audiences. The awards were presented by Snezhana Todorova, Chairperson of the Managing Board of the Union of Bulgarian Journalists.
Ivan Barbov and Petar Doykinski are alumni of Varna Free University, highlighting the connection between academic preparation, professional development and high standards in journalism.
The academic event was opened by Snezhana Todorova; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Kalaglarski, lecturer at Varna Free University and Chairperson of the Varna Journalists’ Association at the Union of Bulgarian Journalists; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eleonora Tankova, Vice-Rector of Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
In her welcoming remarks, Assoc. Prof. Tankova emphasized trust as one of the fundamental values in contemporary communications. She highlighted its importance in an environment where technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the way information is created, disseminated and perceived.
The academic event brought together lecturers, researchers, artists and representatives of the media community for a discussion on the impact of artificial intelligence on the media, literature, television, visual arts and architecture.
Panko Anchev presented the topic “Literature and Artificial Intelligence,” while Prof. Dr. Margarita Pesheva explored the interaction between artificial intelligence and television. Prof. Dr. Stefan Serezliev focused on the relationship between technology and creative processes, while architect Siyana Georgieva examined the application of artificial intelligence in architecture. Prof. Dr. Artur Kordon, one of the pioneers in the practical application of artificial intelligence in industry, presented the opportunities and challenges facing the media in an era of powerful artificial intelligence.
The topics discussed at the forum are also directly related to the curricula of the Master’s degree programmes “Advertising and Public Relations in Business Management” and “Cultural Tourism Management” at Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar”.
The event brought together academia, journalism and the arts around one of the key questions in contemporary communications: how can the potential of artificial intelligence be harnessed while preserving professional responsibility, critical thinking and trust.
Photos: Rada Koleva