Sergeyenko: Regional media need to be proactive

The editorial offices of regional media should not only stay in tune with the information agenda but also work proactively, lead the agenda and take the initiative, Head of the Belarus President Administration Igor Sergeyenko said at a meeting to discuss the effectiveness of the regional media in implementing the state information policy, BelTA has learned.

A survey of regional media in all regions of the country was carried out in preparation for the meeting. It showed that over the past year such media have gained momentum. The total circulation of the regional press is high, at 700,000 copies. Their audiences in social media and messengers surged by 67%. Newspaper improved their design noticeably; the quality of journalistic materials has improved. Regional media stepped up work with regional and national agendas, introduced modern forms of feedback from readers, increased wages and created more comfortable working conditions for employees.

Based on the results of the survey, it was concluded that the strategy for the enlargement of some editorial offices was timely and yielded certain positive results.

At the meeting Igor Sergeyenko drew attention not only to the positive examples of the work of the editorial offices of regional media but also to the shortcomings that require prompt measures. The main ones are a shortage of personnel, weak infrastructure and weak online presence. Many regional publications post reposts rather than unique analytical content. As a result, the reach of the readership is not big. "There are cases when this work is ignored by the media of vast regions," Igor Sergeyenko said.

He stressed that regional newspapers must pay attention to the local agenda, cover the problems and also the development of the region's infrastructure. Only in this way will they be able to increases their audiences and be interesting to people. "Do not wait until people shine light on some problems creating a wide public response," the head of the President Administration said. “We must be proactive. Stay in tune and on top of the agenda, take the initiative and nurture your audiences.”

Written by belta.by