Media & Publishing

Student magazine “Zachetka“ as first experience in team leadership, event management, community building, and media design — recognized with dozens of industry awards.

Key Figures

30 000

copies per issue (up from an initial 500)
> 40

distribution points in Moscow
> 20

industry awards

Role Summary

In the role of Editor-in-Chief, led the full production cycle of the print magazine and its overall development, transforming it from a little-known internal bulletin into award-winning media.

Built and led a multidisciplinary editorial team of about 20 staff members — covering content, visuals, and production
Developed a distribution expansion strategy through both increased offline locations and the launch of a subscription
Recruited talented contributors, provided training and editorial guidance to newcomers
Oversaw fundraising activities and managed relationships with advertisers
Selected editorial topics and edited editorial content
Handled communications with the magazine’s owner
Organized community-focused events to foster student media and discover new talent

Milestones

First issue released after appointment as an Editor-in-Chief, 2003

First redesign and editorial shift — greater focus on student voices and improved design, 2003

Ongoing improvement of design and content; early steps toward broader engagement through collaborations, 2004

Major redesign of the magazine, praised by readers and recognized in competitions, 2008

Development of broader outreach and deeper community ties through strategic partnerships and collaborative projects.

Anniversary Party

Since 2004, the editorial team has hosted themed networking parties for fellow journalists to mark the magazine’s anniversary. In 2008, the event gathered over 150 participants from student and professional media.

Student Media Conference

In 2005, the first conference for student media was held, bringing together representatives from around 70 student media outlets.

Student Media Portal

In 2005, a dedicated online portal for Moscow’s student media was launched, publishing press releases from government institutions and civic organizations, helpful resources for young journalists, and more.

Animation Screenings

In 2007, exclusive screenings of animated films from around the world were launched. Attendees included the magazine’s most engaged readers, leaders and members of student organizations, as well as creative youth such as artists, animators, musicians, and journalists.

Journalism School

In 2007, a school for young journalists was launched in cooperation with the student editorial teams of the Higher School of Economics and the Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology. Guest lecturers included prominent journalists and marketers.

Major Redesign

The 2008 major redesign was led in a dual capacity — as editor-in-chief and as lead designer.

First pages featuring news, editor’s note, and author introductions.

Persona section: interviews with remarkable individuals.

Photo report from a juvenile detention center, awarded for best photo coverage.

Career-focused column authored by a restaurant entrepreneur.

Report on the rising number of military conscriptions.

Cover marking the 200th anniversary of Nikolai Gogol

Key Achievements

Print run grew from 500 to 30 000 copies per issue, with distribution expanding beyond the founding university to other universities across Moscow
Three-time winner in the "Best Editor-in-Chief" nomination at a youth journalism award organized by the Moscow Department of Culture
Editorial team members received awards for best article, best photojournalism, best special report, and more
The magazine was twice awarded the "Youth Brand of the Year" prize by the Moscow Department of Entrepreneurship
The magazine achieved financial self-sufficiency through advertising
A subscription model was launched, enabling nationwide delivery by mail
Received an official letter of appreciation for contributions to the development of student media from the Head of the Moscow Committee on Family and Youth Affairs

Media & Publishing

Key Figures

Role Summary

Built and led a multidisciplinary editorial team of about 20 staff members — covering content, visuals, and production

Developed a distribution expansion strategy through both increased offline locations and the launch of a subscription

Recruited talented contributors, provided training and editorial guidance to newcomers

Oversaw fundraising activities and managed relationships with advertisers

Selected editorial topics and edited editorial content

Handled communications with the magazine’s owner

Organized community-focused events to foster student media and discover new talent

Key Achievements

Print run grew from 500 to 30 000 copies per issue, with distribution expanding beyond the founding university to other universities across Moscow

Three-time winner in the "Best Editor-in-Chief" nomination at a youth journalism award organized by the Moscow Department of Culture

Editorial team members received awards for best article, best photojournalism, best special report, and more

The magazine was twice awarded the "Youth Brand of the Year" prize by the Moscow Department of Entrepreneurship

The magazine achieved financial self-sufficiency through advertising

A subscription model was launched, enabling nationwide delivery by mail

Received an official letter of appreciation for contributions to the development of student media from the Head of the Moscow Committee on Family and Youth Affairs