Euronews Chairman Pedro Vargas David Criticizes European Media's Sudan Coverage Gap at Arab Media Summit

Speaking at the Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Euronews chairman Pedro Vargas David argued that Middle Eastern capitals should stop using newsrooms to settle rivalries, warning that such tactics damage the entire region's reputation with European audiences. In a Monocle Radio interview, he revealed that during a session where he expected questions about Iran, the discussion was dominated by Sudan, Libya and Egypt, exposing what he called a European blind spot. "We don't cover Sudan properly in Europe," he said. "We honestly don't really care." Vargas David also criticized broadcasters for allowing technology companies to "eat their lunch," urging the industry to unite against Google and Netflix rather than fight internally. He defended Euronews's Middle East expansion, citing permanent staff in nearly all relevant capitals during the conflict, and said the region directly affects European petrol prices and tourism. He rejected claims of editorial constraints in the UAE, stating reporters reported freely within wartime limitations, and compared coverage of the Middle East conflict to Ukraine, insisting both are equally tragic. On television's future, he acknowledged the need for cost efficiency, noting that €10m or €20m studios are unnecessary, and predicted 20 to 50 more years of business with a low cost base and intelligent revenue approach.