Journalists are even more important today than they were in the past, president of the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA) Stefano De Alessandri, Chief Executive of the Italian news agency ANSA, told CNA on Thursday.
De Alessandri is in Cyprus, where the European Alliance of News Agencies (EANA) conference is taking place, hosted by the Cyprus News Agency, which has focused on issues relating to the safety of journalists within the geopolitical context, the impact of artificial intelligence and technology in journalism, and opportunities to strengthen the profession in light of these developments.
Speaking to CNA, EANA president noted that whilst there is no set formula for how journalism and news agencies can become stronger, nevertheless “my personal view is that journalists are even more important than they were in the past” he said.
He also described the importance "to have people on the field, to have professionals who can understand what is happening and report it", as well as "judgement, cultural sensitivity and professionalism, in order to avoid disinformation and fake news."
Regarding artificial intelligence, he noted that "it is a great opportunity, because it is a very powerful tool, but it is also a big threat – a major threat to the profession, a big threat to the future of professional journalism, and even to the future of news agencies, because you can have news produced by machines at very low cost."
De Alessandri also urged journalists to understand artificial intelligence, so that it “becomes a powerful tool in the hands of people and professional journalists, without replacing them. That is my personal advice and my hope,” he said.
Asked about the same issue, the chairman of the CNA Board of Directors, Andreas Frangos, pointed out that artificial intelligence cannot replace human labour and intelligence, although he noted that it is something that is changing the landscape. “However, it is a tool like any other, and it is up to us to use it properly,” he said.
He also highlighted the work of news agencies, stating that it constitutes a public benefit, explaining that "accurate and verified news, especially at this time, serve a very important role, and it is the news agencies that carry out this work and keep the public properly informed."
Twenty European news agencies in Cyprus
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Regarding the organisation of EANA conference in Cyprus, in which 20 news agencies from across Europe and the wider region are taking part, Frangos stated that it is “an honour for CNA to have been entrusted with organising it” adding that this event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cyprus News Agency.
“And I am delighted to see CNA standing on equal terms with major news agencies, such as the Italian ANSA, the French AFP, which have thousands of staff worldwide”, as he noted, adding that CNA “is treated with respect and trust by our partners in the Alliance of European News Agencies.”
Regarding the focus of the conference’s discussions, he noted that it focused on the geopolitical situation in relation to journalism, whilst also mentioning that Cyprus’ position and role in the region were presented, along with the importance of the verified information disseminated by news agencies “so that readers and the wider public can trust them”.
Guided tour of the divided capital
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The remarks took place on the sidelines of the conference delegates’ guided tour of Nicosia within the city's Venetian walls. “We have arranged to take all the delegates on a guided tour of Europe’s only divided capital, Nicosia. Even I, as a Cypriot, am deeply moved to see, 52 years on, that people are still unable to return to their homes," Frangos noted.
"We also saw just how interested the visitors were in the situation. It is one thing to read about it and quite another to see it with your own eyes. I think we achieved our aim, because these people are the heads of the major news agencies and will convey the message exactly as it is to the public,” he added.
In Nicosia, the representatives of the European news agencies were taken on a tour of Agios Kassianos School and Axiothea Cultural Centre in Chrysalinotissa, Ermou Street, the Old Power Station, and the archaeological site at the Town Hall, where they met with the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos.
The mayor welcomed them and gave a brief overview of the capital’s history noting that the city continues to be characterized by the fact that it remains "the last divided capital, not only in Europe, but I know of no other capital in the world that is divided," he said.
CNA/MIR/EPH/2026
ENDS, CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY