Journalist, writer, and video blogger Alena Zhigalova is departing from Super, a transition disclosed by the News Media press service. The initiatives she launched will continue to grow under a distinct brand managed by News Media, signaling a deliberate shift from the previous collaboration while preserving the momentum of the projects she built.
According to Maxim Iksanov, the CEO of News Media, Zhigalova built a strong connection with a broad audience through a string of successful projects during her time with Super. His remarks highlighted not just the audience loyalty but also the way those projects expanded beyond the original platform, attracting attention across the media landscape and demonstrating the potential for standalone growth outside the Super umbrella.
He described a strategic move to elevate Zhigalova’s personal brand as part of a broader plan. The goal is to nurture a self-contained ecosystem of programs, media ventures, and audience touchpoints that will operate independently as a distinct facet of News Media’s broader operations. This shift points to a future where the presenter’s name becomes a central, stand-alone brand rather than merely the flagship for a single outlet.
Zhigalova has been active in collaboration with News Media since 2012 and with Super since 2014. The evolution of these partnerships over nearly a decade helped shape a recognizable identity and a suite of programs that resonated with diverse audiences. The move is framed as a natural progression in which the personal brand and the associated content can flourish under a unified corporate umbrella while maintaining a connection to the audience that has followed Zhigalova across projects and channels.
In reflecting on the change, Zhigalova expressed appreciation for the viewers and colleagues who supported her work at Super over the years. She noted that her responsibilities have broadened, with new ventures demanding more focus and energy, leaving less room to continue the long-standing collaboration in its previous form. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the decision does not imply a retreat from the profession or from the broader field of media and journalism. The aim is to pursue growth through fresh platforms and formats that align with her evolving vision and the expectations of a modern audience.
Alongside the transition, Zhigalova confirmed that her professional journey remains active, with ongoing commitments to Haber Medya holdings and related ventures. The public-facing channels related to her work are being realigned to reflect the name of the personal brand. Specifically, the YouTube channel formerly known in connection with Super has been renamed to emphasize the presenter’s persona, and the Neoprah Telegram channel continues to host a range of shows and industry updates. This rebranding effort is designed to unify content across multiple channels while preserving the recognizable voice that audiences have come to trust. The broader aspiration remains clear: to deliver engaging journalism, timely show business coverage, and thoughtful storytelling through a growing slate of media projects that stand apart from the Super brand while still benefiting from News Media’s support and infrastructure.