From March 27 to 29, 2026, the international festival “JooGazyn” took place in Kyrgyzstan, bringing together students, young scholars, and professionals in journalism, media, and public relations from across the globe.
Representing the Samara region was Yulia Afanasyeva, a first-year master’s student in the program “Communicative Practices in Journalism and Public Relations” at Samara University.
Victory at the International Academic Conference
A centerpiece of the festival was the international scientific conference “Media and Journalism for Sustainable Development: Ecology, Society, and Responsibility.”
Following the section’s deliberations, Yulia Afanasyeva was awarded first place for her research paper, “The Voice of the Region in the Digital Age: How Regional Media Shape Public Perception of Territory.”
Her study, based on an analysis of content from the Samara State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (GTRK Samara), explores how digital media communications influence public opinion and shape regional identity. The work proposed—and empirically confirmed—a hypothesis about the so-called “collective presence effect”: consistent coverage of local events fosters in audiences a sense of active participation in the civic life of their region.
Triumph in PR Debates
Beyond its academic track, the festival featured hands-on formats designed to strengthen professional competencies.
In the parliamentary-style political PR debates, Yulia secured first place overall, impressing judges with her sharp analytical thinking, persuasive argumentation, and exceptional public communication skills.
A Global Platform for Professional Growth
The festival welcomed participants from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other countries. Such international gatherings offer students far more than a chance to showcase research—they provide invaluable practical experience, expand professional networks, and integrate emerging talent into the global media and academic community.
Significant credit for Yulia’s success goes to Larisa Gennadyevna Tyutelova, Head of the Department of Russian and Foreign Literature and Public Relations, whose mentorship played a crucial role in her preparation.
At Samara University, professional guidance, dedicated academic supervision, and a strong emphasis on developing both research and practical skills are integral to the educational process—enabling students to achieve outstanding results on the international stage.
Yulia Afanasyeva’s participation and victory at the “JooGazyn” festival stand as a testament to the high caliber of training provided by Samara University and its graduates’ readiness to thrive in today’s dynamic, globally connected media landscape.
Text and photo by Yulia Afanasyeva, ID 5103-450401D
