The Story of Maria Toghina: The First Female President of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation and Her Nomination for Excellence in the West

Maria Toghina stands out as a remarkable presence in Romanian journalism, and her nomination for the „Romanians of Excellence” Gala in the West is a well-deserved recognition of her significant contributions. In an industry often dominated by men, Maria not only established herself as a talented journalist but also made history as the first woman to lead the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation in its nearly 95-year existence.

Maria began her journey in the world of radio in 1990, discovering the „magical world” that would captivate her for life. Throughout her career, she dedicated her talent and passion for journalism to promoting Romanian values and culture through her programs, including the renowned „Night Service” on Radio Romania Actualitati.

In addition to her professional achievements, Maria Toghina also took on administrative responsibilities, serving as the president and general director of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation from 2005 to 2010, becoming the youngest director general in the institution’s history. Her impressive career has been marked by various accolades, such as the award she received from the Union of Professional Journalists in Romania in 2022 for a special edition of the „Night Service” featuring Dinu Sararu as a guest.

In her interviews, Maria speaks candidly about the challenges and emotions she faced while leading SRR, the responsibility of journalists in today’s context, and the joy and balance that motherhood has brought her. She also expresses her gratitude for the role of faith in her life, emphasizing the importance of moral values and her belief in God, both in her professional and personal journey.

Maria Toghina’s nomination at the „Romanians of Excellence” Gala in the West is a testament to the impact she has made and continues to make in the Romanian journalistic and cultural environment, representing a model of excellence and inspiration for future generations.

Maria Toghina: An Exemplary Career in the Service of Public Radio

In an era where the media landscape is marked by rapid technological advancements and constant change, Maria Toghina has emerged as a pillar of stability and innovation in Romanian public broadcasting. With a career spanning several decades and a remarkable list of achievements, Maria Toghina exemplifies leadership and professional dedication. Her detailed CV reveals not only an exceptional professional but also a visionary leader who transformed Radio Romania into a benchmark institution.

Positioning Radio Romania at the top of the audience rankings and transforming it into a European success story were no easy feats. During her tenure from 2005 to 2010, Maria Toghina managed to steer the public radio from a financially precarious situation, with a budget deficit of over 1.5 million euros, to a position of profitability and stability. Her development strategy, which materialized through major projects such as „RADIO ROMÂNIA in the Future” and the digitalization of the radio archive, demonstrated outstanding managerial skills and a clear vision for the future of public broadcasting.

One of Maria’s standout initiatives was the launch of the „Kids Radio” project, Romania’s only radio station exclusively dedicated to children, broadcasting online. This innovation brought fresh air to the media landscape and demonstrated her commitment to diversifying and adapting radio content to meet the needs of a young and changing audience. Additionally, the initiation of RADIO ROMANIA CHISINAU highlighted her dedication to extending Radio Romania’s cultural and informational influence beyond the country’s borders, strengthening the cultural and linguistic ties between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

Her involvement in academia, as an associate professor at the College of Communication and Public Relations (SNSPA) and the Faculty of Journalism and Communication Sciences (University of Bucharest), reflects her desire to share her experience and knowledge with new generations of media professionals. The course she teaches, „Media Institution Management,” not only showcases her expertise but also her genuine commitment to shaping future leaders in this field.

Maria Toghina is undeniably a model of leadership, innovation, and professional dedication. Her accomplishments as the head of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation and her contributions to the development and modernization of the institution are impressive and worthy of recognition. In a constantly evolving media world, Maria Toghina continues to be a beacon of professionalism and a source of inspiration for all those involved in broadcasting and public communication.

A Feature by Occidentul Românesc

Photography by: Alexandru Dolea (Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation), Maria Toghina (Personal Archive)