Top Bulgarian TV Anchor Removed from Air Amid Allegations of Political Interference

December 23, 2025 – Bulgaria –

A leading Bulgarian television anchor has been abruptly taken off the air in a move that has sparked widespread concern among press freedom organisations and raised serious questions about political influence over public broadcasting. The removal of the anchor from their regular program on one of Bulgaria’s most-watched television channels has drawn criticism from media groups that argue the action undermines editorial independence and reflects growing political pressures on the country’s media.

According to reports from the Association of European Journalists (AEJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the anchor — whose identity has been widely recognised in Bulgarian media circles — was pulled from broadcasting duties on December 20, 2025, following editorial disagreements with senior management. Sources within the newsroom described the anchor as having resisted external influence on news coverage, particularly in the weeks leading up to Bulgaria’s national elections in early 2026, where political sensitivities and scrutiny of media narratives have been elevated.

Media advocacy groups have framed the removal as part of a broader pattern of political interference in Bulgarian media, where public and privately owned outlets face pressures from political actors seeking to shape coverage. The AEJ issued a public statement expressing alarm that the anchor’s displacement appears connected to political interests and not grounded in journalistic performance or policy. The statement emphasised the critical role of independent media hosts in holding power to account and warned that sidelining prominent journalists could weaken public trust in news institutions.

The Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists also issued an alert regarding the incident, highlighting that the anchor’s removal occurred amid growing concerns about threats to editorial autonomy in Bulgaria. The platform noted that journalists in Bulgaria have faced increasing obstacles, including attempts by political figures to exert influence on newsroom decisions and content. The alert underscored that such actions risk contravening democratic norms and Bulgaria’s obligations under European standards for media freedom.

Critics of the decision argue that removing the anchor ahead of a major electoral cycle sends a chilling message to other journalists about the risks of critical reporting. They maintain that the timing of the move, coupled with pressure from political entities on media organisations, could lead journalists to self-censor to avoid repercussions.

In response to the outcry, press freedom advocates have called on Bulgarian media regulators, civil society organisations, and European institutions to investigate the circumstances surrounding the anchor’s removal and to reinforce safeguards for editorial independence. They have also urged media outlets in Bulgaria to uphold principles of free expression and resist undue political influence.

Reference – 

https://fom.coe.int/en/alerte/detail/107643553

Top Bulgarian TV Anchor Taken Off Air Amid Fears of Political Interference

Bulgaria: top TV anchor taken off air amid alleged political interference