Russian tie-up with Reuters sparks hostile comment

The partnership on Reuters Connect, billed as bringing media customers access to breaking news and exclusive video, will provide videos on the Kremlin and Russian president Vladimir Putin as well as feature videos and general news, Reuters announced.

TASS joins a growing roster of 17 news agencies whose content is already available to clients on Reuters Connect - PA Media (UK), EFE (Spain), Imagine China, Aflo (Japan), Panoramic (France), Bildbryan (Scandinavia), ANI (India), ABACA PRESS (France), Bernama (Malaysia), AAP (Australia), Anadolu (Turkey), Belga News Agency (Belgium), DPA (Germany), Hans Lucas (France), Latin American News Agency (Argentina), Scanpix Baltics, SIPA (USA).

Reuters president Michael Friedenberg (photo) said: “I’m delighted that TASS and Reuters are building upon our valued partnership by having TASS join Reuters Connect. Their addition shows our ongoing commitment to bring incremental value to Reuters Connect customers. Alongside the vast output of Reuters own world-class newsroom, we continue to provide customers content with unrivalled breadth and depth.”

Sergey Mikhailov, TASS CEO, said: “This is truly a significant event for us as well as for the entire Russian media market. Never before have any of Russia’s media outlets been presented on the Reuters Connect platform. However, now video reports from our country will be available to thousands of Reuters’ clients around the world. News from Russia today is playing an increasingly significant role in the global information agenda, so it is crucial that it is presented as objectively and reliably as possible. Selecting our agency as a partner highlights the reputation of TASS as a source of exceptionally verified news. We are extremely pleased that our cooperation with Reuters has reached a new stage of development.”

The announcement posted on Twitter by PR Team at Reuters sparked a storm of critical comments. Among them:

• Deleting the @Reuters app instantly
• Blocking NOW
• Lost your mind and credibility with this move. Russian state propaganda is NOT NEWS
• That’s the end of Reuters
• Reuters is now an enemy of the US and a partner with Putin
• @Reuters don't do this; not now; not ever. People look to your reporting for truth and facts. This association is NOT worth any benefit or large pile of Rubles. Please reverse course and dissociate your organization immediately
• There goes Reuters
• Reuters will no longer be a news source. It will be a propaganda outlet. I don't care what “Connect” is... Reuters is compromised. Congratulations on destroying your brand and, hopefully, your business.
• Sorry Reuters there goes your credibility!
• And cancels my WestLaw subscription right booking now
• Well, R.I.P. Reuters.

Reuters Connect ■