Photo courtesy of the Information Ministry
The board meeting was truly significant, setting a clear course for innovation and adaptation to the evolving media space, the ministry noted.
The keynote of the event was the minister’s words: “We are the Information Ministry, not the ministry of newspapers, magazines and television. Digital media is now at the forefront.”
“Dmitry Zhuk called for digital transformation, the preservation of unique publications and stronger quality control over regional broadcasting. He effortlessly switched from Russian to Belarusian, and this was no accident,” the ministry noted.
Book publishing: seeking new formats is key to survival
Dmitry Zhuk set an ambitious task for book publishers: to look for new trends and new opportunities. He expressed particular concern for the future of literary magazines. It would be a great loss, he said, if magazines like Maladosts and Polymya stopped publishing.
Dmitry Zhuk stressed that traditional methods would no longer work. Unconventional approaches are needed, he noted, because life has changed. “This is a direct rejection of the old model of ‘publishing a book or magazine and job finished’,” he said.
The minister urged publishers to stop relying on old distribution schemes and past reading habits. He expressed confidence in fruitful cooperation with the Belarusian Education Ministry to find new solutions, because “the way content is consumed has changed, many young people no longer have a TV at home, and their whole life is on their devices, in their hands”. That means approaches must also change, he believes.
Regional media: online presence and original content under special scrutiny
The quality of regional broadcasting was another important topic. “Reducing original content and production is unacceptable. This issue will be given special attention,” the minister said.
At the same time, it was decided to organize training workshops in the second half of 2026 to strengthen online presence. Based on a detailed analysis of corporate websites, social media accounts, messengers and video platforms, these events will aim to improve the online performance of regional television and radio broadcasters.
Printing and socially significant publications: development and licensing
The meeting also discussed the development prospects of the publishing house Mastatskaya Litaratura based on its director’s report, changes to the 2026 plan for socially significant publications, and key issues related to licensing printing activities.
The board adopted decisions on each agenda item aimed at further developing and modernizing the country’s information space.
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