MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

House of Press, July 31. Experts discussed the prospects of young journalists in the modern media universe during a round table held at the Press-center. Representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Information, BRSM, the Faculty of Journalism of the Belarusian State University, regional universities, the Belarusian Union of Journalists, children's and youth media discussed the development of a professional journalistic environment, improving open and responsible journalism as well as opportunities for interaction and exchange of experience.

It was noted that the modern media space provides unique opportunities for young journalists, giving them broad prospects in the media sphere.

With the development of digital technologies and social networks, the role of young people in journalism has become more significant, their contribution to the formation of the information space is becoming more important.

According to Andrei Bykov, Chief Specialist of the Youth Affairs Department of the Ministry of Education, young journalists are capable of not only creating high-quality content, but also raising important social issues that concern society. In this regard, the Ministry of Education supports such initiatives as they contribute to the development of media literacy.

In 2021 in order to develop future professional journalists, the Ministry of Information and the public association "Belarusian Republican Youth Union" established the Republican Competition of Young Journalists called "Press Code".

The project is being implemented with the aim of fulfilling the objectives of the state information policy and promoting the development of professional young journalists in the media.

The competition consists of two stages: a regional qualifying stage and a final republican stage. Participants demonstrate their skills in sharp coverage of topical issues of society, culture, and politics.

The participants of the round table were informed that applications for participation in the third season of the Republican Competition of Young Journalists "Press Code" can be submitted until September 1. Works are accepted in two age groups: from 16 to 21 and 22 to 31.

There will be winners in each of the seven categories: "Best original materials" (reportage, special project on patriotic topics); "Best cartoon on the most pressing social issue"; "Best photo report"; "The best video story about memorable places in Belarus, famous people, a significant event"; "The best video blog"; "The best camera work" and "The best project in new media".

First Deputy Minister of Information Andrei Kuntsevich noted that the Ministry of Information aims to create conditions for the rapid development of young journalists and the formation of a personnel reserve.

"Such projects as "Press Code" help solve these problems. Not only young journalists participate, but also people from different fields who are interested in creating their own content. It is gratifying that the winners and prize-winners of our competition are already on the radar of the heads of the republican media. Many of them were offered jobs in the republican media, some are making successful careers at the level of regional media,” Andrey Kuntsevich emphasized.

Representatives of the regions also joined the discussion. Thus, the head of the “Student Media Center” of the Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, Anastasia Pavlova spoke about the “Mediasphere” competition for journalists and about the opportunities that the Kupalovsky University provides for training a new generation of masters of words.

The heads of the republican media and young journalists who had already won the “Press Code” competition shared their experiences.