A Russian journalist has been getting a unique insight into the UK regional press, with a visit to publishing company Archant.

Elena Yushkova, (39), who works at the Russian North Newspaper, has been shadowing the work of journalists and advertising staff at Archant Norfolk, where newspapers such as the Eastern Daily Press, Norwich Evening News and Lowestoft Journal are produced.

Elena (below) came to England after studying on a special course in Russia called the President’s Management Training Initiative.

She said: “When I entered the President’s Programme I began to study marketing. This programme works in many regions of Russia and its subjects are marketing, finance, and management.

“It was designed in order to develop market economy in Russia. After graduating we have an opportunity to continue our education abroad, in some European countries and Japan. I chose Great Britain.”

Although the programme is supported by the British Council in Russia, the graduates have to find the host company.

Elena said: “Sometimes graduates send a lot of letters to England and don’t receive any answer.

“But to my surprise I sent only one letter. It was to John Fry, chief executive at Archant. I didn’t know anything about Archant and East Anglia in general. I just found this company on the Internet.

“The next day I received an invitation from Mr Fry. The officials from the British Council said it was a first case in their practise.

“I would like to thank all the people in Archant who have worked with me, especially Mr Fry for the invitation and Barry Dennis, managing director for Archant Norfolk, and Journal editor Russell Cook.”

Norwich-based Archant is the community media group which owns regional newspapers, contract and consumer magazines, contract print and internet businesses.

All its titles serve clearly defined communities – be they based around locations or interest groups.

Archant produces four daily regional newspapers and more than 50 weekly titles with a combined circulation of 2.6m copies each week.

It also publishes around 60 magazines and 40 websites.

It is a private company with a turnover of some £150m and employs 2,500 across England and Scotland.

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