In brief
On 9 November 2026, the Bulgarian News Agency’s LIK magazine was introduced in a video‑linked ceremony at Maxim Hall, spotlighting the 180th anniversary of the first Bulgarian newspaper. Speakers from BTA, Sofia University, and literary historians highlighted the press’s role in nation‑building and freedom of speech. The magazine’s message reinforced the historic link between early journalism and Bulgaria’s liberation in 1878.
On Monday, 9 November 2026, the Bulgarian News Agency’s (BTA) LIK magazine was formally presented in a video‑linked ceremony at Maxim Hall in Sofia, marking the 180th anniversary of Bulgaria’s first newspaper, Bulgarski Orel. The event attracted BTA’s national press clubs and international participants via live streaming.
LIK editor‑in‑chief Georgi Lozanov opened the presentation, emphasizing that the development of the press was directly linked to the sense of self‑confidence that led to Bulgaria’s Liberation in 1878 and later became associated with the concept of freedom and freedom of speech. He explained that people form opinions on important issues on the basis of the press and media, and when these opinions converge, public opinion emerges, saying: “In a democratic state, public opinion governs those in power, while the development of the media makes it possible to create a new quality of governance that is subject to civic oversight.”
Immediately following, BTA managing director Yanitsa Hristova noted that the agency’s news reports reveal the ambition and dedication of the first Bulgarian journalists, publishers and printers. “The conditions under which the Bulgarian press emerged were difficult: Bulgaria was not a free country, while newspaper publishing and printing had already made significant advances and gained followers elsewhere in the world,” she added.
Sofia University’s professor of journalism history Zdravka Konstantinova stressed the role of Bulgarian journalism in state‑building before liberation. She recalled that periodical publishing began in 1842 with Konstantin Fotinov’s trial issue of *Lyuboslovie* and that the first newspaper, *Bulgarski Orel*, was issued in 1846 by Ivan Bogorov. She noted that by September 1944, the country had produced more than 10,000 titles.
Literary historian and publisher Albert Benbassat added his perspective on the cultural significance of the magazine’s theme in commemorating the legacy of early Bulgarian press.
