The main program of the Caspian Media Forum taking place today in Astrakhan began with three discussion platforms at once. Journalists, bloggers, students, representatives of business, government and public organizations discussed topical issues of modern mass media.

Experts from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia told the audience of the discussion panel "Travel journalism in the digital age" the secrets of successful work in social networks, that is the main driver of regional tourism development. There were outlined common topics for the Caspian region contributing to the popularization of tourism, such as history, ecology, therapeutic and rural types of recreation.

The participants of the "Check-in the cultural media space" platform discussed in detail blogging, which is becoming more popular, looked for common ground between the countries and regions of the Caspian Sea, learned to work in the popular social networks Tik Tok and Instagram.

"The Caspian Media Forum, being held for the sixth time this year, will be one of the most notable events of September for the Astrakhan region. "As usual, despite the name, it will bring together not only journalists, but experts in other fields as well", noted Rinat Ayupov, Deputy of the Duma of the Astrakhan Region. "The forum has long been a serious platform for the exchange of experience and the development of effective solutions to the most relevant issues. This time, one of the emphasis will be placed on eco-education, the development of the volunteer movement, the formation of a proactive position among the younger generation. I wish all participants of the event effective work, interesting meetings and productive discussions."

At the platform "Educational media projects in the new information communications system", together with the audience, experts from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia found out how to unite the editorial staff, what skills are necessary for modern journalists, how to find contact with representatives of national societies and organizations.

Galina Belolipskaya, moderator of one of the platforms, head of the Department of the Theory of the History of Journalism at Astrakhan State University, noted that the Caspian Media Forum popularity is growing from year to year. The forum is not only a platform for communication between international experts, but an important event for students and young journalists, where they can gain valuable experience and feel like a part of the new media space of the Caspian region.