Young journalists of the National Centre RUSSIA met with Natalia Virtuozova

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A master meeting with participants of the Young Journalists School took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event brought together 150 future media professionals and their mentors. The Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, shared her experience, outlined key values and principles of work in the media sphere, and spoke about current trends in modern journalism.

Natalia Virtuozova noted that text is gradually giving way to video, while video platforms continue to gain popularity. People spend around half of their time online, with social media remaining the main platforms. According to recent trends, consumption of traditional media content is declining, while audiences are increasingly turning to influencers — politicians, bloggers, and experts across various fields. At the same time, the use of artificial intelligence is growing: it has become an effective tool, but cannot replace human thinking.

The Director General added that the ability to speak clearly and tell engaging stories is a key skill for young media professionals. Today, storytelling skills are particularly important, and the National Centre RUSSIA develops this skill through its events, not only among participants but also by promoting this approach more broadly.

"The world is changing, and short-form video is becoming increasingly popular. However, we have a particular feature: Russian culture has traditionally been more focused on reflection and the written word than on visual imagery. Dostoevsky and Bulgakov remain among the most widely read authors in the world — their works speak to the heart, the soul, and the mind. If we want to communicate effectively and promote content, it is important to recognise that modern society largely perceives the world through visual images. Our task is to share knowledge and ideas with a wide audience by finding clear and contemporary formats," said Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Natalia Virtuozova.

During the meeting, young journalists had the opportunity to ask Natalia Virtuozova their questions. They were interested in expanding the geography of the project and plans to open new branches, as well as practical advice on building a career in media, developing professional skills, finding their own style, and remaining in demand in a rapidly changing world. They also asked about the professional experience of the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.

Natalia Virtuozova said that she had dreamed of becoming a journalist and studying at MGIMO from an early age. After several attempts, she achieved her goal through perseverance, which helped her gain confidence and find a job that brings her satisfaction.

The meeting took place on the Day of the Reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia. Natalia Virtuozova noted the historical significance of this event and spoke about the upcoming opening of a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Sevastopol. According to her, the new Centre will expand educational opportunities and make it possible to promote the country’s history and achievements more actively among a wide audience.

"The future depends on you. We inherited a great Russia from our ancestors — rich, vibrant, and full of interesting things. It preserves many languages and traditions, which are treated with respect in our country. Our task is to pass it on to future generations with the same pride," Natalia Virtuozova addressed the participants of the Young Journalists School.

The Young Journalists School project is implemented by the National Centre RUSSIA in partnership with the Movement of the First, with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation. The programme runs from March to June 2026 and includes five modules that provide participants with an in-depth introduction to journalism — from theory and professional ethics to working with multimedia content.

The selection process for the Young Journalists School attracted strong interest among young people: more than 1,000 applicants aged 12 to 17 took part. Following the selection, 88 participants were admitted to the first cohort of the programme.