The fourteenth module of the 'SputnikPro on Zubovsky' project successfully concluded in Moscow. This course was the second this year and gathered journalists, bloggers, and specialists in SMM and PR from Abkhazia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Over five days, from August 17 to 21, leading agency staff conducted lectures and master classes on the main areas of the modern media industry. Topics included the inner workings of modern radio broadcasting, the news writing process, and the work of war correspondents.
Special attention was paid to working with artificial intelligence. Participants were provided with information on the main methods and styles of working with AI, as well as how to apply it most usefully in daily tasks. Participants noted that the lectures on this topic were very interesting, as even familiar topics were presented from a new perspective.
Kazakh participant Aidana Nagieva shared her impressions, noting that she learned to distinguish real photos from AI-generated ones and mastered the skills of writing correct headlines for texts: 'I will definitely use this knowledge in my work.'
During the course, participants also visited a virtual studio, studying the secrets of video production: how to shoot, edit, and create viral videos correctly.
According to the module participants, one of the key features of Sputnik Pro is the ability to apply the acquired knowledge not only as a journalist but also in other fields such as blogging or personal brand promotion.
Sputnik Pro provides not only the opportunity to acquire new skills but also a chance to expand one's social circle and discover new places. Many participants visited Moscow for the first time. Abkhazian Milena Snyatovskaya spoke about the flexibility of the program: 'We are glad that our program is adaptive. We can learn a lot in classes, and after practical sessions, there is plenty of free time for useful things. For example, yesterday we studied the sights of Moscow.'
On the final day of the module, all participants presented their projects created over five days, after which they were awarded diplomas.
It should be recalled that 'SputnikPro on Zubovsky' is a project developed by the directorate of media centers in neighboring and Baltic countries for journalists from CIS countries. Since 2023, 168 journalists from 11 countries have participated in it. This year, another 24 media representatives from neighboring countries were able to get acquainted with the agency's activities and improve their professional qualifications. Further programs are planned for September and October.
Andrey Blagodyrenko, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the media group 'Russia Today', noted that AI has long been used, but mainly in a technical, auxiliary capacity. He emphasized that AI does not take on the task of writing short news items, but is used for 'transcription', translation, titling, and editing.
Elena Zagorodnaya, Head of Content Production Department of Sputnik in Near Abroad and Baltic Countries, stated that modern video shooting formats allow covering any topic—be it an interview or short video reviews. With their help, 'cartoons' are created that convey the main idea.
Uzbek participant Sevara Oralova believes that nowadays it is impossible to work in any profession without social networks, and new knowledge provides an excellent opportunity to promote oneself and one's personal brand without an SMM specialist.