bTV and Maria Tsantsarova Part Ways

Journalist and presenter Maria Tsantsarova and bTV have officially separated, both sides confirmed on December 22, 2025. BTV stated the decision stemmed from Tsantsarova’s repeated violations of “a number of editorial policies and principles,” including expressing her political preferences on air. The broadcaster also cited a “branded cup with a message clearly associated with a current political campaign.”

According to bTV, “According to our internal rules, the faces of leading formats bear specific responsibility to support balancing commitments to freedom of expression, and impartiality.”

bTV further noted that Tsantsarova made numerous comments on air accusing her direct supervisor of influencing editorial content, which the company asserts is the supervisor’s right and responsibility to ensure the presentation of all viewpoints. DarikNews.bg reports that Zlatimir Yochev was on a planned Christmas vacation abroad at the time of the announcement.

bTV Reporters Compete in Atlantic Ocean Challenge

In a separate event from March 3, 2010, bTV reporters and journalists participated in a competition held at Fort Boyard in the Atlantic Ocean. The challenge involved unconventional tasks designed to reveal a different side of the familiar faces, requiring them to climb, fall, acquire back up, and overcome their fears.

Reporter Anton Hekimyan demonstrated impressive physical fitness, while another reporter faced his aversion to frogs. DarikNews.bg details the event.

Kanna Racheva Addresses On-Air Gaffe

In July 2020, bTV journalist Kanna Racheva attempted to address a gaffe made during a live broadcast from a protest in Sofia. While believing she was off-air, Racheva was heard saying, “I don’t know about the protests abroad, I’ll make it up.”

Racheva explained the situation on social media, stating that during live broadcasts, it’s often difficult to complete sentences while awaiting information. She emphasized that such situations are common in their work and asked viewers to judge her reporting based on the actual news content. DarikNews.bg covered the incident.