Maria Tsantsarova Launches Independent Media Project “Off the Air” After bTV Departure

Following her removal from Bulgarian television channel bTV, journalist Maria Tsantsarova has launched an independent media project titled “Off the Air,” seeking funding directly from viewers to create a censorship-free platform. The project aims to provide independent journalism, including debates, investigations, and regular news coverage.

Background: Tsantsarova’s Departure from bTV

Maria Tsantsarova, known for her critical questioning and investigations, was taken off air from bTV’s political talk show “This Morning” in December 2025. Her removal sparked protests and raised concerns about political interference in media freedom. The Association of European Journalists – Bulgaria (AEJ-Bulgaria) expressed concern over the potential removal of critical voices from Bulgarian airwaves.

bTV initially denied allegations of censorship, stating it was in “active talks about the development of programme content” with Tsantsarova. Although, the channel later accused her of repeatedly violating internal editorial rules and engaging in “political activism,” ultimately initiating proceedings to terminate her contract. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joined AEJ-Bulgaria in denouncing the move as an act of censorship.

“Off the Air”: A Viewer-Funded Initiative

Tsantsarova announced the “Off the Air” project on Facebook, stating it will be funded entirely by its audience, eliminating censorship and external pressures. AEJ-Bulgaria reported that the project’s website details ways for viewers to support it, including donations via Iris Pay and direct messaging support (DMS).

The initial funding goal is 50,000 euros. Upon reaching this target, the team plans to host a live pre-election debate between representatives of Bulgaria’s main political parties, broadcast freely online. The project is spearheaded by the Foundation for Independent Journalism, registered in February, with Tsantsarova and Lyuba Rizova as its leaders.

Future Plans and Editorial Principles

Beyond the pre-election debate, “Off the Air” aims to develop a newsroom and produce regular interviews, debates, investigations, and reports. The project’s guiding principle, as stated by Tsantsarova, is to create a media outlet free from censorship, undue influence, and economic dependencies. This commitment echoes the principles outlined in Joseph Pulitzer’s will, which the project’s founders cite as inspiration.

Vesela Kisyova, a former producer of bTV’s weekend morning block, is also involved in the project.