The Eurovision Media Department has launched a call for candidates to take part in a new Erasmus-style programme for young professionals working with Public Service Broadcasters in Europe and beyond. The aim of the Digital SkillsXchange project is to connect young professionals and facilitate the exchange of knowledge, know-how and ideas and provide opportunities to allow them to work at other public service broadcasters.

The programme will begin at the Rai-Prix Italia in Turin during the week of 19 -24 September. Selected candidates will be invited to attend the oldest and most prestigious international competition for the promotion of quality, innovation and creativity in the media.

Its 67^th edition is devoted to Creativity and the Power of Storytelling and candidates will take part in workshops focussed on enhancing innovative digital, social media and storytelling skills.

The EBU’s Senior Online Development Manager, Madiana Asseraf said: "This is not only about developing talent, but also about the cross-fertilisation of ideas. Only by developing the skills and knowledge of staff can public service media (PSM) hope to stay relevant and reach audiences online."

The programme, created by the EBU’s Online Committee, is designed for multimedia journalists, producers, designers, social media experts and/or other digital storytellers aged between 20 and 30 who work at Active Member broadcasters of the EBU.

At the Rai-Prix Italia attendees will, amongst other activities, work on a new social media strategy, produce recommendations to help the event’s content reach a wider audience and offer new ideas to enhance user interaction on the event’s website.

The EBU’s Manager of Media Online, Mike Mullane said: "Prix Italia Digital SkillsXchange is the first programme of what will become an EBU-wide, Erasmus-style programme.  Other managers and departments will soon be working with more Members to run new and equally exciting SkillsXchange programmes."

Interested candidates have until August 22 to submit their application to join the programme.