In brief
BTA’s LIK magazine opened its November issue at a video‑linked event in Sofia on November 9, 2026, to commemorate the 180th anniversary of Bulgaria’s inaugural newspaper, Bulgarski Orel. The issue highlighted how early journalists helped shape national identity, freedom of speech, and civic oversight. Speakers from BTA, Sofia University, and the national press club underscored the media’s role in building a democratic society.
On Monday, November 9, 2026, BTA’s LIK magazine launched its November issue in Sofia’s Maxim Hall via a video link, celebrating the 180th anniversary of Bulgaria’s first newspaper, Bulgarski Orel. The event brought together BTA’s national press clubs from Bulgaria and abroad and marked a milestone in the country’s print history.
The issue focuses on how the press contributed to Bulgaria’s sense of self‑confidence leading to its 1878 Liberation and later to the principles of freedom and free speech. It examines how early journalists shaped public opinion before the nation’s independence and fostered civic oversight of government.
Georgi Lozanov, LIK editor‑in‑chief, said:
In a democratic state, public opinion governs those in power, and the development of the media creates a new quality of governance that is subject to civic oversight.
Yanitsa Hristova, LIK managing director, added that BTA’s news gives insight into the ambition and dedication of the first Bulgarian journalism pioneers. The conditions for publishing were difficult because Bulgaria was not free, yet newspaper printing advanced worldwide.
Prof. Zdravka Konstantinova, a lecturer at Sofia University’s Faculty of Journalism, noted that Bulgarian journalism began before state restoration. She cited 1842’s trial issue of _Lyuboslovie_ by Konstantin Fotinov and Ivan Bogorov’s 1846 publication of _Bulgarski Orel_ as foundational moments. By September 1944, more than 10,000 Bulgarian titles had appeared.
Literary historian Albert Benbassat highlighted the press’s state‑building role during the pre‑Liberation era, underscoring its importance to nation‑building.
