France: Russia won't "lose global war of communication," says Andrei Bystritsky

Chairman of the Board for the Foundation for the Development and Support of the Valdai Discussion Club and media expert Andrei Bystritsky stated that he does not believe that Russia will "lose the global war of communication" during a speech at the French National Assembly of Paris on Wednesday. Bystritsky went on stating the Russian "trust rate toward the media is unique in the world, it surpasses 80 percent." Despite this Russia's influence outside its borders "is not considerable," according to the academic. The address was organized by the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) and was attended by around 30 people many of whom are political analysts. The meeting was part of the Valdai International Discussion Club. The aim of the organisation is to promote dialogue between Russian and international intellectuals, as well as making independent, unbiased analysis of the economic, political and social events in Russia. Bystritsky has had a distinguished career working for various media organisations both inside and outside of Russia, including working as a producer for BBC Russia and as the deputy director general for Russian television channel RTR as well as being Chairman of Voice of Russia radio company.