Virginia Bazán Gil, Director of the RTVE Archive, has been re-elected President of the International Federation of Television Archives (FIAT/IFTA). The decision was made by acclamation during the General Assembly held this Thursday at the Cinemateca Brasileira in São Paulo, Brazil.
With this re-election, Bazán Gil will continue to lead the organization for the next two years, until 2028. Her continued leadership at the helm of FIAT/IFTA is significant at a time when audiovisual archives face growing challenges related to digital preservation, the accessibility of historical heritage, and cooperation between institutions in different regions of the world.
A Record of International Growth
During her first term, the Federation added 33 new members and developed intense activity through publications, seminars, and professional exchange spaces. During this period, two world conferences of the organization were also held: one in Rome in 2025 and another in São Paulo in 2026.
Among the notable achievements of this period is the collaboration agreement signed with the Public Media Alliance (PMA), an international organization that brings together public service media. In addition, FIAT/IFTA has strengthened its ties with institutions and professionals in Latin America, a region where the organization has gained presence in recent years.
Priorities for the New Term
The new stage led by Bazán Gil will focus on continuing to expand the international network of FIAT/IFTA, strengthening cooperation between archival institutions, and fostering the participation of professionals from different regions, cultures, and fields of specialization within the audiovisual sector.
Statements from Virginia Bazán Gil
Following her re-election, Bazán Gil highlighted the role of international collaboration in facing the current challenges of audiovisual archives. "Preserving audiovisual archives also means protecting the memory of our societies, their history, and part of people's rights," she stated.
The president added that "the greatest strength of FIAT/IFTA lies in its community of professionals and in our ability to share knowledge, establish connections, and work together so that this heritage remains accessible to future generations."
Bazán Gil also underscored the importance of strengthening the dialogue between different professional and cultural realities as a way to connect local experiences with the major global challenges that affect the conservation of audiovisual heritage.
What is the International Federation of Television Archives?
FIAT/IFTA was founded in 1977 and has established itself as a benchmark organization for audiovisual archive professionals worldwide. It currently brings together more than 150 members from over 40 countries, including public radio and television broadcasters, national and regional archives, cultural institutions, and companies specializing in the sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Virginia Bazán Gil?
She is the Director of the RTVE Archive and has been re-elected President of the International Federation of Television Archives (FIAT/IFTA).
How long will Virginia Bazán Gil lead FIAT/IFTA?
Her new term will last for two years, until 2028, following her re-election at the General Assembly held in São Paulo.
What is FIAT/IFTA?
It is the International Federation of Television Archives, an organization founded in 1977 that brings together more than 150 members from over 40 countries involved in the preservation of audiovisual archives.
Where was Virginia Bazán Gil’s re-election held?
The General Assembly in which she was re-elected took place at the Cinemateca Brasileira in São Paulo, Brazil.
What are the highlights of Bazán Gil’s previous term?
During her first term, FIAT/IFTA added 33 new members, held world conferences in Rome (2025) and São Paulo (2026), and signed a collaboration agreement with the Public Media Alliance.
What are the priorities for Bazán Gil’s new term?
Her objectives include expanding the organization's international network, strengthening cooperation between institutions, and fostering the participation of professionals from different regions and cultures.
