Wednesday, August 5, 2015

How to beat Vladimir Putin in the battle for hearts and eyeballs

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/1680e214-35f6-11e5-bdbb-35e55cbae175.html#axzz3hxO3E9Xa

Kremlin media, however, ignore local news and social issues....experts recommended a news agency or news hub to focus on the details Moscow wants to avoid. They might not be able to convince audiences who downed MH17, but by focusing on local stories about hospitals, schools and courts they could prove more relevant. A content factory could also provide socially engaged documentary material: docu-soaps about schools or hospitals; reality shows exploring ethnic tensions. Local broadcasters need help, both financial and professional, to create such high-quality content. It is something the British especially, with their sophisticated TV industry, should take the lead on.