The Belgian Broadcasting Corporation BRF, the radio and television institution of the German-speaking Community of Belgium, is celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025. A series of events planned this year were unveiled on Wednesday.
On 1 October 1945, the INR (Institut National de Radiodiffusion) broadcast the first German-language programme aimed at residents of the Eastern Cantons.
Initially, broadcasts were aired from Brussels, but a regional studio was inaugurated in Eupen in 1975 and another in Saint-Vith (Liège province) in 1983. Despite its evolution over the years, the BRF's mission remains to "inform about events in Belgium in German and reflect social life in the Eastern Cantons and neighbouring regions," stated Director Alain Kniebs.
Today, eight decades later, the BRF has around 70 employees and continues to fulfil its public broadcasting role for the German-speaking Community. With three radio stations, television offerings and a website, BRF informs, entertains and supports the daily lives of residents in the German-speaking municipalities and adjacent areas.
To celebrate its 80th anniversary, the BRF has unveiled a varied programme of events. For the first time, BRF will showcase its archives to listeners and viewers. From the end of April until September, the BRF will host a record exhibition tracing 80 years of music history.
Several classical, pop/rock, and jazz concerts will also be organised in Eupen and Saint-Vith, including a performance by the group Ykons in Eupen on 11 September.
On 29 June, a grand open day with guided tours will be held at the BRF headquarters in Eupen.
Finally, an official anniversary ceremony will take place on 1 October. Later that month, on 22 October, the BRF will be celebrated at the Flagey Culture Centre in Brussels.
