Digital Journalism for Eastern Europe » Russia

How Russian Media Start-Ups Earn Money

Mariia Rzaeva — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 08:19:58 +0000

Production Data
Shot in Saint Petersburg, November 7-8, 2015
Production: Maria Rzaeva
Used Video Gear: Canon D60
Edited with: Premiere Elements 13

Summary

How do Russian media start-ups currently create revenue? The most common and efficient way is to diversify their business. Saint Petersburg local internet newspaper Bumaga (or Paper) follows this strategy and now includes a digital agency as well as an event agency. The digital agency produces marketing features and projects which make use of special features that only Bumaga can offer.

Two flagship projects run by Bumaga’s event agency department are the “Science Slam” and the “Open University”.

The “Science Slam” came to Russia from Germany in 2013. The idea is that five young scientists give a kind of stand-up presentation of their research. Bumaga has organized scientific battles in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. The Science Slam community has since spread all over Russia.

The “Open University” is another project connected to science. Professors and scientists from the three biggest universities in Saint Petersburg tell the audience about different scientific fields. The idea of public lectures appeared in Bumaga and three universities supported it and became became the founders of the project. The founders are the IFMO University, the Politechnic University and the European University in Saint Petersburg.

Open University

Alexei Borovkov, Vice Rector at the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, participates in the Open University in November 2015 / Photo: Alexander Palaev

The Open University – or OU in short – is a partly educational and partly promotional project created for three Saint Petersburg universities to increase their presence in the media. The project was initiated by Paper Media and the Saint Petersburg universities Peter the Great Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University, the IFMO University and the European University in Saint Petersburg. It aims to popularize scientific knowledge among the citizens of Saint Petersburg. The program of the Open University is interdisciplinary and covers the majority of scientific fields from philology to quantum physics. The first OU event took place on the New Stage of the Alexandrisky Theatre on June 6, 2015. Every OU event consists of several seсtions in different formats:

Debates — a discussion of a topic with two experts from the perspective of their scientific field;
Conferences — a discussion of a topic with five experts from the perspective of their scientific field;
Lecture — a professor’s public speech on a topic.

More than 1,000 people attended the Open University on November 7-8. The program included sections about the smart city, the language of hate and the newest technologies bound to change our lives.

The Open University Team

Nikita Soloviov, Director of the Open University project, moderating a section in November 2015 /Photo: Alexander Palaev

The Bumaga media team consists of professionals from various fields – from product management to digital marketing – who are broadly experienced but follow a fresh and young approach. It takes two months for the Bumaga Team to prepare an Open University event.

Nikita Soloviov is the Director of the Open University project. He supervises all processes during the preparation phase, on the stage and beyond.
Misha Tupikin is the Program Director. His job is to deal with famous scientists and to construct a good program structure by selecting appropriate presentations for the different thematic sections.
Nastya Kudryavtseva is the manager. She produces branding, controls dozens of administrative tasks and manages many other things.
Sasha Chisler is the technical manager. Sasha’s responsibilities cover computers, accurate presentations, broadcasting so on.

Of course, the OU’s partners also play an important role. The universities’ marketing departments consult Bumaga, help contact professors and support PR-campaigns.

Background Information

The “5top100″ program is a general term for a project to support universities. The Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the Order #599 “On Measures of Implementing Government Policy in Education and Science” on May 7, 2012. One of the tasks stated by the President to the government of Russia was to have at least five Russian universities rank among the top 100 of the world’s universities in the global rankings.

As part of carrying out the order, Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev adopted a number of measures for the development of Russian universities, which included raising their competitiveness among the world’s leading research and educational centers.

The main aspects of the project include active promotion of the Russian system of higher education in key markets and gaining authority in scientific and academic societies, including rankings. Over 50 Russian universities submitted applications to the open competition for state support. Only 15 were selected as winners. The founders of the Open University were among them. Thus, OU is a good instrument for universities to further their prestige and PR-value.

Who are the Open University’s Founders?

Open University, The New Stage of Alexandrinsky Theatre/Photo: Alexander Palaev

ITMO University is one Russia’s leading higher education and research institutions, specializing in Information Technology, Optical Design and Engineering. Founded in 1900, today it is home to over 14,300 students and has earned its name “National Research University,” blending the culture of innovation and discovery with world-class education.

Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University was founded in 1899. Recently SPbPU became “National Research University”, also known in Russia and abroad as Polytechnical Institute — a recognized Russian and world-wide leader in the field of higher engineering and economic education. Currently it also remains at the leading positions in the rating of Russian engineering higher educational institutions.

Founded in 1994 with the active support of the city of St. Petersburg, the European University began operating as an elite graduate school in the social sciences and humanities in 1996. From its inception, the mission of EUSP has been to meet the needs of Russian social development by training a new generation of teachers and scholars in the best Russian and Western traditions.

Interesting Links

Website of Bumaga Media (in Russian).
Website of the newspaper Bumaga (in Russian).
Website of the Open University (in Russian).
Website of the IFMO University (in English).
Website of the Polytechnical University (in English).
Website of the European University (in English).

A Modern View on Design and Construction

Igor Zubov — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:14:37 +0000

Production Data
Shot in Saint Petersburg, October 2015
Script, Production, Camera: Igor Zubov
Used Video Gear: Panasonic DMC-GF6
Edited with: Premiere Elements 13

Summary

Renaissance geniuses created beautiful buildings with only the help of a pencil and their imagination. The 21st century grants many new tools to improve on humans talents. One such tool is the modern 3D CAD (Computer-aided Design) program “Renga”. This software manages an architectural project’s whole life, from concept to final draft and documentation. “Renga” is developed by “Ascon”, a software developing company based in Saint Petersburg.

Vlad

Vlad is a software developer. His specialization is mathematical calculation: intersections of objects, complex shapes and volumes. You probably noticed the snake in his hands – which is not just a toy. The whole production team is divided into sub-teams. Each sub-team has a name which is connected to the Harry Potter saga. Vlad is a member of the Slytherin team. That is why he keeps snake in his hands. It is his talisman.

Software Developer Vlad

Renga and Ascon

“Ascon” is currently employing 600 specialists. Its software solutions address key engineering design issues, such as accurate 3D modeling, preparation and release of drawings and design documentation, business process development, and engineering data management. The “Renga” team consists of more than 20 people with different specializations: user interface, graphic engineering, mathematical calculations. “Renga” has already been released and everybody can download the trial version and design their own dream building.

Background Information

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. CAD software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve communications through documentation, and to create a database for manufacturing. CAD output is often in the form of electronic files for print, machining, or other manufacturing operations.

Interesting Links

General CAD explanation
Ascon official web page
Renga official web page

Covering Global News from Russia

Ekaterina Buchneva — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 11:56:36 +0000

Production Data
Shot in Moscow, October 17, 2015
Script, Production, Camera: Ekaterina Buchneva
Used Video Gear: Iphone 4S
Edited with: Premiere Elements 13

Summary

The Moscow office of Reuters Television covers major international news from Russia and the CIS region. It also contributes to global stories involving Russia. At the moment, one of these is the crisis in Syria. Output producer Olga Petrova talks about how Reuters journalists cover it from Moscow.

Reuters

Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is one of the world’s largest international multimedia news providers, reaching more than one billion people every day. Reuters’ 2,600 journalists in nearly 200 locations around the globe deliver unparalleled international and national news coverage with speed, impartiality and insight to professionals via Thomson Reuters desktops and to the world’s media organizations and consumers on Reuters.com. The Moscow office is a place where dozens of journalists work on creating text stories, photos and videos.

Olga Petrova

Olga Petrova has been working at Reuters for over 20 years. She started her career at the agency in Moscow in the 90s, when it was a hotspot for the historical transition from a communist stronghold to the cradle of a new democratic state. Later, Olga moved to Berlin, where she contributed to the Central and Eastern Europe news feed, after which she returned to Moscow. Currently, she is an output producer, whose daily duties are generating story ideas, organizing shoots, coordinating camera crews, editing videos and writing scripts in English.

Background Information

There are over 300 foreign media organizations working in Russia. All of them had to get special accreditations, issued by the Ministery of Foregin Affairs. Furthermore, Russian legislation controls the foreign ownership of Russian media. In 2014, amidst the war with the West about information on the Ukrainian crisis, the Russian parliament passed a law forbidding international organizations and foreign citizens, companies and governments from founding or holding more than a 20% share in Russian media businesses. Companies have to bring their holdings into compliance by February 1, 2017. Foreign ownership of radio and television outlets, as well as print publications with a circulation of more than one million, was previously limited to 50%.

Interesting Links

Reuters Website (in English)

Thomson Reuters Website (in English)

Location of the Reuters office in Moscow

The Reuters office is situated in the heart of Moscow. You can find it in Berlin House at Petrovka, 5

Digital Journalism in Hamburg: The Map

Mariia Rzaeva — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 10:46:43 +0000

Please click on the indicators to read more about the event that took place at that specific site in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.

Gängeviertel: Six Years After Anti-Gentrification

Ekaterina Buchneva — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 09:15:09 +0000

The squatters decorate their neighborhood using their own devices: everyone in Gängeviertel is either an artist or an activist

Next to the steel and glass office buildings on Gänsemarkt square in Hamburg city center, a loud party is underway. A man in his 40s in a sky-blue shorts and thick glasses is playing a guitar and drums. Dozens of people whose outfits resemble hippie rags more than executive suits are dancing, chatting, swigging beer from bottles and smoking cigarettes that smell stronger than simple tobacco.

“This is a place where you can party for free, make art, have conversations with people and yes, it is a nice part of Hamburg,” says Marius.

“I like it a lot, I think it is really cool, it is a very special place in Hamburg, with a lot of improv arts and concerts, that’s cool and we enjoy it,” added Manuela, a regular here and a friend of Gängeviertel’s residents.

A bathtub full of vodka

Through the huge window of one of the local galleries you can see a lady in red elegantly filling guests’ glasses with alcohol from a bathtub full of vodka. This art installation could be a metaphor for Gängeviertel, which began in 2009 with an illegal basement bar. A secret spot serving cheap booze, it soon became popular among local artists.

There is more than a touch of irony in this installation: the artists are poking fun at gallery-goers, who sometimes are more interested in the free alcohol at art openings than in the art exhibition itself

But their newfound home was already slated for demolition. The old buildings had been bought by a Dutch businessman, who planned to replace them with yet another block of offices. The artists – mostly from the leftist subculture – took up the fight against gentrification.

“At first we weren’t even thinking occupation, but just ‘hey! These buildings are so great, we have to do something’, because they were about to be torn down. Then, step by step, the idea of occupation evolved” says Matthias, head of the Gängeviertel group of lawyers who began negotiating with the city authorities six years and continue to do so.

“City of Talents”

This isn’t the first time the city has had to deal with squatters. In the past, such attempts have always ended in forced evacuation within 24 hours. But this time was different. Instead of sending the police into Gängeviertel, the authorities approached the squatters with an unusual offer. The city of Hamburg – known at that time just as a trading hub – was in a search for a new image. Inspired by American urban studies guru Richard Florida, local deputies had come up with a new strategy called ‘City of Talents’, based on the idea of cooperation with the local creative communities.

A band performing at the celebration of the 6th anniversary of Gängeviertel

The squatters accepted the offer and over the past six years have transformed their neighborhood into a vibrant community. “Komm’ in die Gänge” has become its slogan — a clever play on words that means “Come to the Gänge district” as well as “Get moving.”

Affordable “nest”

With the help of the authorities, the squatters refurbished the ruined buildings and turned them into a cozy nest. That is how one of the residents — an art school graduate named Solweig — describes the place where she lives and works at a ridiculously low price. Residents pay less than 5 euros per square meter per month — three times cheaper than the average downtown rent. Not surprisingly, Solweig’s exhibition, which opened on the community anniversary of community is dedicated to Gängeviertel.

“This community is my life! It’s the place I live in and I love it so much! I love all the people and they have been so supportive, hell, I couldn’t have done this on my own” says Solweig.

Talking and drinking are the best (and most popular) way to get to know the Gängeviertel community

During the week-long celebration, over a thousand people flocked to the quirky backyards of Gängeviertel. The core of the community is much smaller — only around 70 activists. But it is growing steadily.

You can apply for a room — and a place in the community’s life — at a weekly assembly that is held every Wednesday. However, to be accepted you have to come up with a cultural or social project that will add value to the community. So if you have an idea, hurry up — Komm’ in die Gänge!

‘Über Wasser’ – Water, Water Everywhere

Igor Zubov — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 12:53:33 +0000

The exhibition “Über Wasser” is currently being shown at the Bucerius Kunst Forum in Hamburg. As the name implies, it features a wealth of photos and paintings of water that seek to remind visitors about the destructive power and restorative abilities of water.

The visit to the Bucerius Kunst Forum took place after a long workshop day and offered a different kind of inspiration

The many masterpieces by great names include “The Sea of Ice,” a painting by Caspar David Friedrich that fairly exudes cold and desperation, and one of the most expensive photos in the world – “Bangkok II” by Andreas Gursky. The photo that was the most technically difficult to execute is “Swimming pool” by Andreas Geffeler, and Katsushika Hokusai’s classic Japanese engraving “The Great Wave off Kanagawa,” attractive in its simplicity .

The temple attendants are no less interesting. The guide who introduces us to the world of water looks like a monk of some ancient cult, except he might have been wearing more appropriate attire. His knowledge about how the watery works of art were created was truly impressive. The word water sparkles brighter when he pronounced it, and he repeats it again and again.

Afterwards, everyone will leave the Bucerius Kunst Forum in the same awed silence and the masterpieces will await new visitors and a new story. Because what is the sense of existing without a story?

Nurturing Digital Journalism in Hamburg

Ekaterina Buchneva — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 09:10:56 +0000

In much the same way, 14 journalists from Eastern Europe came here to restart their professional lives with the help of experienced trainers at the Interlink Academy.
The participants are from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Their backgrounds vary not only in terms of geography, but also in terms of experience and fields of expertise – from investigative journalism to travel reporting, from press to TV production, from local media to international agencies. Yet they all have something in common: a desire to upgrade their digital journalism skills and adjust to an era of smartphones.

The participating journalists pose for a group photograph on the first day of the course

“On the first day, we learned about publishing with WordPress. That is the basis, and I hope that later on we will learn how to do more complicated things that will really improve our skills in digital journalism”, said Mariia Rzaeva, Producer Special Projects at Bumaga, a newspaper in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
Mariia admits that she is not so much interested in online writing, but would rather focus more on the structure of interactive narratives and discover new tools for multimedia storytelling.
Her compatriot, software developer turned IT journalist Igor Zubov, added that he had never worked with platforms like WordPress before, so he found the lesson very useful.
“I’m very impressed with the participants’ skills and knowledge and by what they already know and how curious they are”, said Interlink Director Werner Eggert. “I’m very pleased with the intelligent questions they ask.”
As Eggert pointed out on the day the participants arrived, the difference in their backgrounds gives them an opportunity to learn from each other, but also requires that they adjust to each other’s different pace of learning. On the first day, however, everybody seemed to absorb the new information so quickly that the trainers could teach more content, speeding up everyone’s progress.
To keep up the pace for the rest of the course, Werner Eggert asked all participants to adhere to three core principles: punctuality, passion and patience.
So prepare your minds for a deeper digital immersion!