Newsroom
On Monday, President Nikos Christodoulides hosted a special reception at the Presidential Palace to celebrate the New Year with journalists and those working in the media and to announce a new initiative aimed at addressing the challenges facing the sector. The event, which included the traditional cutting of the Vasilopita (New Year’s cake), served as both a festive occasion and an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the government and the media.
During his speech, Christodoulides praised the "particularly militant" role media professionals play in Cyprus, emphasizing their crucial role in upholding democracy. He recognized the difficulties the sector faces, particularly with the rapid advancements in technology, and highlighted the need for a collective effort to address these challenges.
Christodoulides announced that the government will launch a new initiative in cooperation with the Cyprus Editors’ Union, the Publishers’ Union, and other key media stakeholders. The goal is to establish a framework for discussions to find solutions to the problems affecting the media industry, especially press officers.
“This is about more than just journalism,” said the president. “It’s about ensuring that all those working in print, electronic, and broadcast media are supported. A strong media sector is vital to preserving democracy in our country.”
A Framework for Change
The first meeting of this new initiative will be led by Christodoulides, setting the stage for a structured discussion on how to best address the sector’s issues. The president assured media workers that his administration remains committed to open dialogue and transparency, welcoming criticism as an integral part of democracy.
Following the announcement, the event continued with the cutting of the Vasilopita, a cherished Greek tradition, where Christodoulides mingled with dozens of media representatives. Government officials, including Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou, and Director of the Presidential Press Office Victor Papadopoulos, also attended the gathering.
This new initiative marks an important step in strengthening the partnership between the government and the media, aiming to ensure that Cyprus’ media sector can continue to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
