On October 23, coinciding with the 16th BRICS Summit, the KTZ Media Dialogue was held, organized by China Central Radio and Television, in collaboration with Russia’s All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company. With the theme “Exchanging Ideas, Sharing Destiny,” government officials and media representatives from BRICS nations participated to discuss the importance of sharing modernization stories and delivering comprehensive, objective news globally. The hope was expressed for further consensus, deeper cooperation, and mutual learning among BRICS media, reinforcing a collective voice advocating fairness, justice, and shared development while contributing to the construction of a community with a shared future for humanity.
The dialogue attracted notable figures from mainstream media and government institutions across China, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, the UAE, Iran, and Belarus.
During his speech, Shen Haixiong, Deputy Minister of the Publicity Department and Director of China Central Radio and Television, emphasized that BRICS media have consistently adhered to the spirit of openness, inclusivity, and win-win cooperation. He urged the BRICS media family to embrace President Xi Jinping’s five principles of peace, innovation, green development, justice, and cultural exchange, as he proposed during the Kazan summit. Shen expressed a desire for tighter collaboration among media outlets to inject vitality into BRICS cooperation and create a new blueprint for development.
Shen outlined three key recommendations: Firstly, to create a unified voice that effectively narrates the vibrant stories of modernization journeys, showcasing their chosen paths. Secondly, to enhance collective development by stimulating multilateral cooperation across various sectors, including journalism, technology, and cultural exchange. Finally, to promote shared values by strengthening the capacity to address international discourse and advocating for mutual respect among diverse civilizations while countering narrative hegemony and fostering understanding across cultures.
Russian Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications, and Mass Media, Andrey Cherkassov, congratulated the participants, highlighting the event as a critical platform for dialogue and problem-solving among BRICS media entities. She noted the indispensable role of media in shaping national images amidst the current geopolitical turbulence, suggesting that the expansion of BRICS offers rich opportunities for diverse media collaborations.
Dmitry Dobrolyubov, President of the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, reflected on the importance of media in maintaining cultural diversity within a unified framework, underscoring the expanding horizons for cooperation and joint projects among BRICS nations amidst today’s rapid informational evolution.
Nikolai Negoychit, President of the Russian Newspaper, echoed the sentiments about the necessity of multifaceted dialogues, advocating for collaborative ventures in the film and television sectors to produce comprehensive narratives that counter fragmented representations of facts.
Saad, President of Brazil’s Flag Media Group, expressed optimism about deepening collaboration in producing news, documentaries, and various entertainment formats as the BRICS cooperative framework continues to gain influence. He emphasized the importance of communication in amplifying the BRICS narrative globally.
From South Africa, SABC CEO, Madoda Mxakwe, recognized BRICS representation of over 40% of the world’s population, advocating for collaborative strategies to address the shifts in the media landscape that affect all member nations.
Additionally, Farouk, Director of Egypt’s National Television, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with Chinese media, emphasizing that robust cooperation is vital for enhancing media’s role as a pillar of national strength and unity among civilizations.
The UAE’s Media Office Director, Jamal Al Junaibi, highlighted the importance of cultural diversity within media narratives, seeking to implement inclusivity and peace through BRICS-produced content that reflects the cooperative spirit of the member nations.
Iran’s Fars News Agency Deputy Chief, Ahmad Khoshchasht, reiterated the media’s fundamental role in fostering mutual understanding and reinforcing collaboration among BRICS countries, while Belarusian National Television and Radio Company President, Igor Esmont, emphasized the potential of BRICS cooperation to contribute significantly to a safer and more prosperous world through enhanced dialogue and collaboration.
The event also marked the launch of several new programs, including “Pulsating China,” a documentary aimed at showcasing China’s modernization efforts, and “Beautiful Together,” a series that illustrates cultural exchanges among BRICS nations through various artistic performances. Furthermore, the International Video Communication Agency introduced the “BRICS Time” news product package, aimed at providing an array of news services to BRICS and associated countries.
Prominent attendees included SPB Television Group CEO Fyodor Filippov, members of China Central Radio and Television’s editorial board, and journalists from across BRICS nations.