TV BRICS Media Network proposes ideas for Russian-African media to exchange reliable information

On Thursday 30 March, the Russian-African Club of Lomonosov Moscow State University with the support of the Secretariat of the "Russia-Africa Partnership Forum" held a forum for Russian and African journalists. Among the speakers were representatives of Somalia, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Mali, Benin, the Central African Republic and Côte d'Ivoire.

The main goals of the creation of the Association of Russian and African Journalists, its priority areas and mechanisms of development were discussed at the event. Proposals were made to draw up a memorandum on information cooperation between the African and Russian media.

Anna Lisina, editor-in-chief of the TV BRICS website, shared her ideas for the Russian-African media to exchange and disseminate reliable information.

"It is very important that the sources that are shared with the content are authoritative. TV BRICS International Media Network works directly with the national media of the five countries, that is, with those who are trusted by the local reader. We take information from the official websites of ministries and government departments of Brazil, India, South Africa, China and Russia and we work directly with the embassies of BRICS countries as well as Mozambique and Angola."

Anna Lisina Editor-in-chief of the TV BRICS website

"We cover events that are happening in the BRICS and BRICS+ countries through our partners' media network, through their websites and social media, as well as engaging international experts from these countries for conferences, interviews and other initiatives supported by TV BRICS," added Anna Lisina.

Abdou Karim, director of publications for Le Panafrican magazine, cited several key measures to promote media cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African continent.

"There is a need for the Association of Russian and African Journalists to be dynamic, for us to set goals that can be realised in the short and medium term. This requires closer interaction between Russian and African media to promote our common values. We propose the following: exchange of publications, integration of content in TV and radio broadcasting on a mutual basis, which will strengthen ties between our countries. We also need to strengthen direct ties between the heads of media, publishing houses. I am sure that all these steps will open a new chapter in the development of our mutually beneficial relations," said Abdou Karim.

Ibe Godwin Ezinna, Chairman of the Russian Organization of the Nigerian Diaspora in Russia (NIDO Russia), suggested adapting content into popular African languages, and investing in content creators both existing and future, creating jobs for African professionals who come to Russia to study, investing in infrastructure, mining, oil and gas extraction.

Salim Aqar, director general of 24news in Algeria, drew attention to the need for the African continent to not only broadcast on its territory, but also to create international networks, international media, which would bring the voice of Africa to the wider international public. "We, the African continent, need to find new opportunities to cooperate with geopolitically powerful countries such as Russia. <...> We welcome the creation of the Russian-African Association of Journalists."

Boub's Sidibé, a journalist from Mali, proposed the creation of financial mechanisms to help the African media.

Louis Gowand, founder of Hello Africa, an online magazine about business and investing in Africa, and a member of the board of the Russian-African Club - suggested creating a platform for communication between Russian and African media professionals and experts in a wide range of fields. African and Russian journalists, authors and bloggers will be able to exchange press releases and submit requests for expert comments on articles they have published.

Moreover, Louis Gowand supported the idea, suggested by a participant in the forum of Russian and African journalists, of establishing a monument to Nelson Mandela in Moscow.

It is reported that following the proposals of the speakers, a memorandum between African and Russian media will be concluded to promote opportunities for international cooperation between the countries of the African continent and Russia, to deepen cultural exchange and to build an international positive image of African states in the international media space.

Photo: IStock