The Euro50 Q&A: Michael Peters, Euronews

Managing director Michael Peters has this year overseen Euronews’ launch of a new full-time Ukrainian service, taking the total number of services offered by the news broadcaster to 11. It has also launched new programmes, creating opportunities for audience participation, and launched on a growing number of connected TV platforms.

Age 40

Education 1995: Masters Degree in Financial Engineering at EM Lyon business school, France; 1992: Degree from IAE University of Lyon III, France

Previous positions 1995-1998: four years at Arthur Andersen as audit manager; 1998: Euronews financial supervisor; 2003: Euronews financial director and deputy managing director;  2005; Euronews managing director; 2008: managing director of the executive board of Euronews.

Last year’s highlights I see four major highlights in 2011. The new 24/7 Ukrainian service on air and online launched in August is already a great success in the country and in the Ukrainian community, both in terms of awareness and audience. In 2011, Euronews offers 11 fulltime services – a must in our environment. Second highlight: new interactive programmes launched in 2011, like I talk/U talk and The Network on air and online. Mixing citizen questions with leaders answers. Third, the inauguration of our desk in Brussels this year, which is the biggest international newsroom in the capital of Europe. Last, our connected TV agreements with world-class manufacturers (Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG, Loewe, Philips). Euronews is fast becoming the most prevalent news channel in the connected TV world.

Most significant industry development The revolution in the old TV news channel model. Information comes now from everywhere. The power of brand, the quality and the availability of the content are key to success. And of course, the new multiscreen strategy and especially the massive impact of connected TV and digital terminals revolutionise the whole system of thinking “news”. We must be both quick and clever while the way of consuming information continually changes.

Goals for next year Our mission in 2012 will be to boost a new screening experience and get the viewers at a climax (or maximise our viewership). Always delivering the one and only service the viewer wants: the right content at the place at the right time. We’ll launch new offers: Euronews express, Euronews radio, also a Euronews universal app, and prepare our move to a brand new 10,000 square metres headquarters, in the heart of Lyon in France.

Industry challenges and opportunities Transforming itself. I would even talk about a “genetic mutation” that has to be driven.

Alternative career choice Most likely a DJ.

TV character most identified with Christiane Amanpour, ABC News US anchor, a model for all of us. Harry Roselmack, French journalist, a model of professionalism with strong personal involvement.

Most admired personality Bill Gates. He has pursued an extraordinary path and anachronistic modern history. He defends philanthropic and traditional values in a modern world.

Life outside work Wine is an endless passion… in moderation.