**UNITING SOUTH ASIA: RT ACADEMY LAUNCHES FIRST ONLINE COURSE FOR THE REGION**
**Moscow, September 8, 2026** — RT Academy, the international educational initiative of RT, has officially announced the launch of its inaugural free online intensive course tailored specifically for journalists and media professionals from South Asian countries. This initiative aims to provide participants with a unique opportunity to delve into international journalism and the broader communications industry.
Anna Kovtunova, head of RT’s Educational Projects, expressed enthusiasm about the potential of South Asia's emerging media talent. "We’re excited about the breadth and depth of talent amongst South Asia’s young media professionals and are committed to helping them advance their careers. That’s why we’re launching an online intensive program that combines expert training, hands-on practice, and mentorship from our seasoned international journalists," Kovtunova stated.
The course, aptly titled “Uniting South Asia: Bring Your Voice to Shape the Future Media Landscape,” is set to commence on October 5, 2026, and will span a duration of three weeks. Interested candidates can submit their applications until September 27, 2026. The program is free of charge, conducted in English, and will have a limited number of spots available. Participants will be selected through a competitive process, with exceptional candidates potentially being offered positions within the RT team.
The curriculum for the course is designed to be comprehensive, featuring a blend of pre-recorded video lessons and live webinars led by prominent figures within RT, including correspondents, anchors, producers, and newsroom specialists. The content will cover the entire media production cycle and focus on practical skills essential for contemporary journalism.
This new course represents a significant expansion of RT Academy's outreach, following a successful initiative in 2025 that targeted top media faculty students in India. By launching this program for the entire South Asian region, RT Academy reaffirms its commitment to fostering journalistic talent across diverse countries.
Since its inception in 2024, RT Academy has offered various online courses for journalists from Southeast Asia (ASEAN), India, China, and Africa. The academy's mission is to provide free educational resources, including online courses, in-person workshops, and in-house training, aimed at both aspiring and established journalists. To date, over 10,000 students and professionals from more than 80 countries have participated in RT Academy programs, with many advancing to careers within RT.
RT, the international television network, broadcasts news in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, Spanish, German, Serbian, and French, and operates the RTD documentary channel in both Russian and English. Additionally, RT maintains online portals in ten languages and runs the global multimedia agency RUPTLY, which delivers exclusive content to broadcasters worldwide. The network is accessible 24/7 to over 950 million viewers in more than 100 countries.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like RT Academy's online course play a crucial role in equipping the next generation of journalists with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of international reporting and media production. The program not only aims to enhance individual careers but also seeks to contribute to the broader development of journalism in South Asia.
For those interested in applying for the course, further information and the application link can be found at [RT Academy's website](https://rtacademy.study/south-asia/).