On Thursday 12th October the Reframing Russia project launched in London. Ran by scholars from the University of Manchester and the Open University, the project is funded by the AHRC and provides new, inter-disciplinary insights into the post-Cold War global media environment through an in-depth case study of one of its most controversial actors, RT (formerly Russia Today).

The project investigates RT’s audience strategies, its ability to reshape journalistic value systems and its efforts to shape the post-Cold War world. The project analyses how RT’s broadcasting modes, social media engagement practices and institutional culture help to mediate and legitimise the Kremlin’s foreign policy agenda and reshape Russia’s external image.

The project launch took place at the Frontline Club and saw leading experts and commentators come together to discuss: What is Russia’s role in the global ‘information war’?

On to the #ReframingRussia round table with @VeraZilit @Ben_OLoughlin @TomilaLankina @marydejevsky @jamesnixey #RRLaunch pic.twitter.com/WRzK8s7k4w

— Reframing Russia (@ReframingRussia) October 12, 2017

The discussion began with a keynote talk from Professor Ellen Mickiewicz of Duke University on Russia’s role in the global ‘information war’.

This was followed by an expert roundtable discussed RT, the ‘information war’, and their thoughts about the Reframing Russia project.

The participants included:

• Prof. Ellen Mickiewicz, Duke University.
• Mary Dejevsky, The Independent.
• Prof. Tomila Lankina, London School of Economics.
• James Nixey, Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme.
• Prof. Ben O’Loughlin, Royal Holloway, University of London

The discussion has been summarised in a storify that can be viewed here:

If you missed our launch event last week you can catch up with what happened here: https://t.co/DIcGWYhe65

— Reframing Russia (@ReframingRussia) October 16, 2017

Alternatively, read the storify summary of the discussion here.

The event was a great success and we would like to thank all those who participated in the discussion and everyone who attended the launch.

Thanks to everyone who came to our #RRLaunch event! If you missed it a video & podcast will be out soon. pic.twitter.com/G1KckUGc9o

— Reframing Russia (@ReframingRussia) October 12, 2017