TVS, RT strengthened content collaboration and media training

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14: TV Sarawak (TVS) under the Sarawak Media Group (SMG) and Russia Today (RT) continue to explore potential cooperation to expand content reach from Malaysia and ASEAN region to audiences in Russia as well as internationally.

Denis Bolotsky, Head of Representative Office of RT Indonesia and ASEAN said the cooperation also opened up space for RT to highlight content from Sarawak that has value and appeal to international audiences.

"Not only are we interested in allowing the audience in Sarawak to get our news, but at the same time we also benefit greatly from knowing what is happening in Sarawak.

"We have received contributions from TVS journalists and broadcast Regata Sarawak. Some of the events are relevant to international audiences and we want our audience around the world as well as ASEAN to see them", he said.

He said this during a brief meeting with SMG Chief Executive Officer, Kushairi Abang, here today to discuss the potential cooperation between the two media companies.

The meeting follows the success of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TVS and RT signed on 4 July 2025 covering the exchange of content and news, international news coverage, media training, knowledge sharing and exploration of joint publication potential.

Denis's in-depth sharing of this cooperation can also be expanded through RT Academy as a platform for sharing experience and knowledge between the editorial teams of both organizations.

According to him, RT Academy not only provides an opportunity for his party to share its experience in the operation of newsrooms on a global level, but also allows RT to better understand the perspectives and priorities of audiences in ASEAN region.

"RT Academy is a great opportunity for us not only to share what we do, bring in newsroom staff, correspondents and producers and show our colleagues at TVS how we operate globally, but also to learn from you.

"Because we target ASEAN audiences, we want to understand the public's thinking, what the audience likes and what they prefer to see on screen. It was also a learning experience for us. So, it's a two-way collaboration", he said.

Denis said RT had previously hosted two RT Academies in Indonesia besides providing the programme in online format.

According to him, cooperation with broadcasting organisations from BRICS member or partner countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia, also allows RT to get a different perspective from the Global South in news content production.

He said the issue was becoming more relevant following the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India on 12 and 13 September, with BRICS now bringing together emerging economies from Asia, Africa, Middle East and South America.

According to him, media collaboration among the countries provides space for highlighting different points of view from the narrative of international mainstream media.

"We're looking at a completely different angle. We speak and use the same language. We're not mainstream international media, our slogan is 'Question More,' and I think it's very close to our friends", he explained.