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The issue of the '''freedom of the press in Russia''' involves both the ability of directors of ] outlets to carry out independent policy and the ability of journalists to access sources of information and to work without outer pressure. ] include ] and ] channels, ]s, and ] media, which according to the laws of ] may be either a state or a private property. The issue of the '''freedom of the press in Russia''' involves both the ability of directors of ] outlets to carry out independent policy and the ability of journalists to access sources of information and to work without outer pressure. ] include ] and ] channels, ]s, and ] media, which according to the laws of ] may be either a state or a private property.


Contemporary situation of the freedom of the press is widely critized by multiple international organisations, such as ]<ref name="IPIRussia" />, ]<ref></ref><ref> (in Russia)</ref>, ]<ref name="freedom2009"></ref>, ]<ref name="hrw2009"></ref> and ]<ref></ref><ref></ref>. According to International Press Institute, the Russian ]s, bureaucratic ]s and politically motivated ]s have forced the press into ].<ref name="IPIRussia" />
The ] of the ] in 2005 interview to Russian radio ] said there was pressure on media from authorities in Russia's regions, and situation with the central media caused concerns, as many central TV media looked to lose former independence; his conclusion was that the most important task in Russia was to protect the victories of the 1991 Law on mass media, and to let journalists work fully independently; yet he said that with all the difficulties the Russian media were free as a whole, and the fact he was interviewed in a direct broadcast without censorship spoke also about press freedom. <ref name=alvaro2>, ], April 24, 2005 (in Russian)</ref>


In 2009 Reporters Without Borders ranked Russia 153th out of 175 in the ].<ref>, 2009</ref> According to International Press Institute, Russia is the most dangerous European country for journalists.<ref></ref><ref name="IPIRussia"></ref> According to Human Rights Watch, the Russian government control over civil society through selective implementation of the law, restriction and censure.<ref name="hrw2009" />
The ] of Russia ] reported in 2006, that suggesting that freedom of speech is non-existent in Russia would be an exaggeration, the constitutional right for speech freedom is basically observed, as well as there's no institutionalised censorship. Apparently for these very reasons journalists and publishers seldom appeal to the Commissioner protesting restrictions of their right of seeking, receiving, transferring, publishing or distributing information. Yet disguised restrictions exist to a considerable degree, they are often put through the economic pressure on mass media by the authorities and loyal business. The so-called "self-censorship" which induces journalists to refrain from disseminating information which, in their opinion, may not please the authorities, is also widespread. So in many places the right to praise the authorities is ensured, while the opposite right is just formally declared. <ref name=luk06>, (in English)</ref>


== Administrative acts ==
In 2009 Reporters Without Borders ranked Russia 153th out of 175 in the ].<ref>, 2009</ref> According to International Press Institute, Russia is the most dangerous European country for journalists.<ref></ref><ref name="IPIRussia"></ref> According to Human Rights Watch, the Russian government control over civil society through selective implementation of the law, restriction and censure.<ref name="hrw2009"></ref>
===Legal position===

Freedom of the press is provided by the ].<ref name=const></ref> The important law in context of the media freedom is the 1991 Law "On mass media"<ref></ref>, that guarantees freedom of expression for media, journalists' rights and citizens' right for information.
==Legal position==
Freedom of the press is provided by the Constitution of Russia.<ref name=const></ref>

{{Quotation2|Article 29
<br>
1. Everyone shall be guaranteed the freedom of ideas and speech.
<br>
2. The propaganda or agitation instigating social, racial, national or religious hatred and strife shall not be allowed. The propaganda of social, racial, national, religious or linguistic supremacy shall be banned.
<br>
3. No one may be forced to express his views and convictions or to reject them.
<br>
4. Everyone shall have the right to freely look for, receive, transmit, produce and distribute information by any legal way. The list of data comprising state secrets shall be determined by a federal law.
<br>
5. The freedom of mass communication shall be guaranteed. Censorship shall be banned.<ref name=const></ref>}}

The important law in context of the media freedom is the 1991 Law "On mass media"<ref></ref>, that guarantees freedom of expression for media, journalists' rights and citizens' right for information.

As reported by ], the first ] of the ] after his visit to Russia in 2004,

{{cquote|The law has a strong democratic character. It was very quickly put into practice and fostered the development of media freedom. It prompted an increase in the number of publications and television and radio channels, initially representing all the political currents in Russian society. The different national minorities have also taken up this tool, which is already broadly used to disseminate languages and cultures. Well adjusted to by Russian society, this law remains a key text and gaurantor for Russia's media. I was told repeatedly in numerous conversations with representatives of the media, both journalists and media-owners, that, to safeguard media freedom, the most important thing was to keep the law as it was and to resist certain calls to have it revised, which were expressed from time to time in the corridors of the Duma.<ref name=Alvaro/>}}

In 2008 annual report ] of Russia ] made a point, that it's important to have the comprehensive legal interpretation of the terms that may limit the freedom of thought and word. <ref name=luk08> (in Russian)</ref> He spoke against the election legislation amendment that is "a practical prohibition" of contesting candidates criticism, calling it obviously excessive. And Lukin was critical about the Law on combating extremist activities, noting that extremism and dissent must be strictly legally divided.<ref name=luk08/>


A new law to be implemented at the beginning of 2009 will allow reporters investigating corruption in Russia to be protected. Under new legislation, they will be able to apply for special protection, like court witnesses. The new law is part of a grander national plan to fight corruption in Russia, an area that President ] has focused much of his attention on.<ref> ] Retrieved on July 22, 2008</ref> A new law to be implemented at the beginning of 2009 will allow reporters investigating corruption in Russia to be protected. Under new legislation, they will be able to apply for special protection, like court witnesses. The new law is part of a grander national plan to fight corruption in Russia, an area that President ] has focused much of his attention on.<ref> ] Retrieved on July 22, 2008</ref>


==Trends== === Ombudsman ===
Russia's ] is appointed for a certain term by the ]. The ombudsman cannot be dismissed before the end of his term, and is not subordinate to any body of power, including the ] or the ]. Russia’s 83 administrative regions has the right to elect a local ombudsman whose authority is limited to that region. Less than half have done so.<ref> (October 23, 2009)</ref>
===1990s and before===
As noted by ], the process of democratization of the totalitarian ] started with the policy of ], "meaning openness or freedom of speech". That policy is still regarded within the Russian society as one of the "most precious achievements" of ], and the "vast majority of people are not willing to accept any kind of change to it".<!--statement 415.--> Gil-Robles noted, that the "long-awaited" 1991 Law on Mass Media "had been fought for since the beginning of ''glasnost'' not only by journalists and civil society but also by Russian society as a whole".<!--statement 416--> <ref name="Alvaro">{{cite web
|url=https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=846655
|title=Report by Mr. Alvaro Gil-Robles on his Visits to the Russian Federation
|publisher=], ]
|date=2005-04-20
|accessdate=2008-03-16
}}</ref>


Russian Ombudsman ] reported in 2006, that suggesting that freedom of speech is non-existent in Russia would be an exaggeration, the constitutional right for speech freedom is basically observed, as well as there's no institutionalised censorship. Apparently for these very reasons journalists and publishers seldom appeal to the Commissioner protesting restrictions of their right of seeking, receiving, transferring, publishing or distributing information. Yet disguised restrictions exist to a considerable degree, they are often put through the economic pressure on mass media by the authorities and loyal business. The so-called "self-censorship" which induces journalists to refrain from disseminating information which, in their opinion, may not please the authorities, is also widespread. So in many places the right to praise the authorities is ensured, while the opposite right is just formally declared.<ref name=luk06>, (in English)</ref>
The contemporary state of media freedom, as Gil-Robles recognized, follows on from "the proactive policy pursued by the Russian authorities at the beginning of the 1990s". During the 1990s the Russian society "went through a period of rapid development of the traditional media".<!--statements 416, 418. --> <ref name=Alvaro/>


In 2008 annual report Vladimir Lukin wrote, that it's important to have the comprehensive legal interpretation of the terms that may limit the freedom of thought and word. <ref name=luk08> (in Russian)</ref> He spoke against the election legislation amendment that is "a practical prohibition" of contesting candidates criticism, calling it obviously excessive. And Lukin was critical about the Law on combating extremist activities, noting that extremism and dissent must be strictly legally divided.<ref name=luk08/>
===2000s===
In 2004 ] systematically met a number of local and regional journalists in regions he visited and reported the "strong motivation of the journalists, their keenness to preserve and reinforce their rights and their everyday efforts to uphold freedom of expression". He said, "I also realised how closely media professionals associate freedom of the media with the health of democracy in general". <ref name=Alvaro/>


== Issues under debate ==
In ] there were just over 21,000 registered periodicals, virtually no ], and just under 100 television companies, more than half of which were owned by the state. As of ] there were more than 58,000 periodicals, 14,000 electronic media, and 5,500 broadcasting companies, and the states share in the newspaper and journal market is estimated to be less than 10%. Its share in electronic media is even smaller.<ref name="freedom"> .</ref>
=== Government ownership and control ===
The Russian Government has a large media empire, which it uses to influence on media outlets and news content. In recent years, companies with close links to the Government, state-owned ] among them, have bought most influential media outlets.<ref name="bbc-pressinrussia"> (16 May 2008)</ref> The Russian government owns 60 percent of newspapers, and in whole or in part, all national televisio stations.<ref name="freedom2009" /> The last two remaining semi-independent television channels ] and ] will become under state control in 2010.<ref name="guardian-voicessilenced"> (16 October 2009)</ref>


In 2007, a report by professor of politics Nicolai N. Petro asserted that foreign companies owned shares in over half of all Russian broadcasting companies and not the state. He claimed that critics concentrated solely on national television media, while "detailed statistics also demolish the myth that Putin dominates national television and allows no critical reporting". In the same report, Petro declared that for the first time in modern Russian history independent media had become profitable.<ref name="Npetro">, By Nicolai N Petro.</ref>
As reported by ],
{{cquote| Even so, some worrying trends have emerged in recent years. According to international journalists' associations, the situation is taking a turn for the worse. A number of laws and provisions adopted in the general context of combating terrorism restrict freedom of speech and do away with the guarantees that are vital to the work of journalists in a democracy. This regrettable development has not been without victims, with a number of television companies, radio channels and newspapers being closed down. In addition, ownership changes for some media have brought them under the control of the State or of companies in which the State is the main shareholder. Finally, Russia counts amongst the countries in which attacks and acts of violence against journalists have noticeable risen in recent years.<ref name=Alvaro/>}}


=== Pressure on independent media ===
As stated by BBC, two of the three main federal channels ] and ] are controlled by the government controls while state-controlled energy giant ] owns ]<ref>] Country profile: Russia]</ref>.
The Russian Government pressure has weaked freedom of expression and media independence, particularly of the major television networks. Authorities pressure the owners of outlets to soften critical coverage and harass journalist into practicing self-censorship. The government used its controlling ownership to restrict access to information about issues deemed sensitive.<ref name="usstatedep-hrr2008"> (February 25, 2009)</ref>


According to the World Press Freedom Review 2008 by ], Russian independent media is under increasing pressure. The goverment use variety of methods to control of broadcasters, to sideline critical journalists, and to intimidate them into self-censorship.<ref name="IPIRussia"></ref> According to the Freedom House report the Russian constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, but in reality, the politized and corrupt court system is used against independent journalists.<ref name="freedom2009" />
In 2007, a report by professor of politics Nicolai N. Petro asserted that foreign companies owned shares in over half of all Russian broadcasting companies and not the state.<ref name="Npetro">, By Nicolai N Petro.</ref> He claimed that critics concentrated solely on national television media, while "detailed statistics also demolish the myth that Putin dominates national television and allows no critical reporting". In the same report, Petro declared that for the first time in modern Russian history independent media had become profitable. A plenty of media outlets actively develop now while state participation in them is minimal. <ref name="Npetro">, By Nicolai N Petro.</ref>


As stated in the 2008 report of the ], the Russian Government generally respects freedom of expression, but it restrict issues such as ], ], ] and criticism of the administration.<ref name="usstatedep-hrr2008" />
In 2006 ] commented that in the period of 1990s freedom of press in Russia "was indeed under threat, not from the former state ideology that once held a monopoly on expression, but from the dictates of oligarchic capital". Journalist ] has said: "Of course in the 1990s there were restrictions on freedom of expression but, due to the fact that the media belonged to different business structures, despite influence being exerted pluralism was preserved." When asked about media freedom in 2006 interview with ] TV channel, Putin replied: "We have more than 3,500 television and radio companies here in Russia and state participation in them is decreasing with every passing year. As for print media, there are more than 40,000 publications and we could not control them all even if we wanted to." <ref>. ], ]</ref>


===Selective use of regulations and criminal investigations===
The Russian Government use selectively politicized regulations and bureaucratic harassment to inhibit media outlets.<ref name="IPIRussia" /><ref name="cpj-2009-russia" />


In 2008 Amnesty International criticized the run-up to parliamentary and presidential elections as "a clampdown on the freedoms of assembly and expression", stating that "the authorities have violently dispersed some opposition demonstrations, while pro-government events have gone ahead without interference." <ref name=amnesty2></ref>
The World Press Freedom Review 2008 by ] stated that Russian independent media is under increasing pressure:<ref name="IPIRussia"></ref>

{{cquote|The central administration strengthened its grip on power by restricting journalism in the run-up to the State Duma and Presidential elections. State officials and pro-government businesses relied on a variety of methods to consolidate control of influential broadcasters, to sideline critical journalists, and to intimidate them into self-censorship.<ref name="IPIRussia" />}}


==Assaults on journalists== ===Assaults on journalists===
] assassinated in ] in 2006. While a partial progress, the case is not yet solved.<ref>, August 5, 2009</ref>]] ] assassinated in ] in 2006. While a partial progress, the case is not yet solved.<ref>, August 5, 2009</ref>]]
Since the early 1990s, a number of Russian reporters who have covered the situation in ], contentious stories on organized crime, state and administrative officials, and large businesses ]. According to the ], since 1992, 50 journalists have been murdered for their professional activity in Russia (which made it the third deadliest country for journalist in the 1992-2006 period<ref name=cpj> - Committee to Protect Journalists</ref>): 30 journalists from 1993 to 2000, and 20 journalists since 2000.<ref name=cpj1></ref><ref>http://cpj.org/deadly/cpj-database.xls <!--Last viewed on August 15, 2009--></ref> Since the early 1990s, a number of Russian reporters who have covered the situation in ], contentious stories on organized crime, state and administrative officials, and large businesses ]. According to the ], since 1992, 50 journalists have been murdered for their professional activity in Russia (which made it the third deadliest country for journalist in the 1992–2006 period<ref name=cpj> - Committee to Protect Journalists</ref>): 30 journalists from 1993 to 2000, and 20 journalists since 2000.<ref name=cpj1></ref><ref>http://cpj.org/deadly/cpj-database.xls <!--Last viewed on August 15, 2009--></ref>


According to ], there were 9 cases of suspicious deaths of journalists in 2006, as well as 59 assaults on journalists, and 12 attacks on editorial offices.<ref></ref> In 2005, the list of all cases included 7 deaths, 63 assaults, 12 attacks on editorial offices, 23 incidents of censorship, 42 criminal prosecutions, 11 illegal layoffs, 47 cases of detention by ], 382 lawsuits, 233 cases of obstruction, 23 closings of editorial offices, 10 evictions, 28 confiscations of printed production, 23 cases of stopping broadcasting, 38 refusals to distribute or print production, 25 acts of intimidation, and 344 other violations of Russian journalist's rights.<ref></ref> According to ], there were 9 cases of suspicious deaths of journalists in 2006, as well as 59 assaults on journalists, and 12 attacks on editorial offices.<ref></ref> In 2005, the list of all cases included 7 deaths, 63 assaults, 12 attacks on editorial offices, 23 incidents of censorship, 42 criminal prosecutions, 11 illegal layoffs, 47 cases of detention by ], 382 lawsuits, 233 cases of obstruction, 23 closings of editorial offices, 10 evictions, 28 confiscations of printed production, 23 cases of stopping broadcasting, 38 refusals to distribute or print production, 25 acts of intimidation, and 344 other violations of Russian journalist's rights.<ref></ref>
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On ], ], Russian journalist ], well known for her criticisms of Russia's actions in ] and the pro-Russia Chechen government, was shot in the lobby of her apartment building. The death of this Russian journalist triggered an outcry of criticism of Russia in the Western media, with accusations that, at best, Putin has failed to protect the country's new independent media. <ref>, Joan Smith.</ref><ref>, Democracy Now</ref> On ], ], Russian journalist ], well known for her criticisms of Russia's actions in ] and the pro-Russia Chechen government, was shot in the lobby of her apartment building. The death of this Russian journalist triggered an outcry of criticism of Russia in the Western media, with accusations that, at best, Putin has failed to protect the country's new independent media. <ref>, Joan Smith.</ref><ref>, Democracy Now</ref>


] reports selective use of regulations, politically motivated criminal investigations, journalist imprisonments, outlet shutdowns and aggressive harassments by security services.<ref name="IPIRussia" /> ] reports selective use of regulations, politically motivated criminal investigations, journalist imprisonments, outlet shutdowns and aggressive harassments by security services.<ref name="IPIRussia" /> According to the organization, Russia remains the most dangerous European country for journalists, with four killed in 2009.<ref></ref>


The ] reported in 2009, that "Human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers who spoke openly about human rights abuses faced threats and intimidation. The police appeared to be reluctant to investigate such threats and a climate of impunity for attacks on civil society activists prevailed." The Amnesty International reported also a "climate of growing intolerance towards independent views". According to the ], Russia is a more dangerous place now than it was during the ]. Only ] and ] outrank it on the list of most life-threatening countries for the press.<ref name="cpj-2009-russia"> (September 2009)</ref>
According to ], in 2009 "Russia remains the most dangerous European country for journalists, with four killed this year. All four journalists either worked in or reported on Russia’s volatile ] region." <ref></ref>


==Media outlets==
The Reporters Without Borders organization explained its current ranking of Russia, 153rd out of 175th (below ]) with the following reason <ref name="RWB2009"></ref><ref> (in Russia)</ref>:
===The Press===
Russia has very wide range of newspapers, over 400 daily, for every field. Ownership of newspapers was dominated by ] in the 1990s. In recent years companies close the Russian government, such as ], have acquired newspapers.<ref> (16 May 2008 )</ref>


Following his 2004 visit to Russia ] reported, "At the meeting organised with the editors-in-chief of the major Russian newspapers, I noted the broadly shared opinion that freedom of speech has remained substantial since 1991. It is true that there have been several recent reports of pressure on journalists."<!--statement 424--> <ref name="Alvaro">{{cite web |url=https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=846655 |title=Report by Mr. Alvaro Gil-Robles on his Visits to the Russian Federation |publisher=], ]|date=2005-04-20 |accessdate=2008-03-16}}</ref>
{{cquote|The reasons for this fall, three years after Anna Politkovskaya’s murder, include continuing murders of journalists and human rights activists who help to inform the population, and physical attacks on local media representatives. They also include the return with increasing force of censorship and reporting taboos and the complete failure to punish those responsible for the murders.<ref name="RWB2009"/>}}

The ] reported in 2009, that "Human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers who spoke openly about human rights abuses faced threats and intimidation. The police appeared to be reluctant to investigate such threats and a climate of impunity for attacks on civil society activists prevailed." The Amnesty International reported also a "climate of growing intolerance towards independent views".

In 2008 Amnesty International criticized the run-up to parliamentary and presidential elections as "a clampdown on the freedoms of assembly and expression", stating that "the authorities have violently dispersed some opposition demonstrations, while pro-government events have gone ahead without interference." <ref name=amnesty2></ref>

==Police raids==
On ], ], Russian police raided the ], a non-governmental organization that receives U.S. funding, seizing documents and equipment in a search its director said was likely linked to the government's growing distaste for Western-funded ]s.<ref></ref>

==Moscow-based media==
===Print media===
Following his 2004 visit to Russia ] reported, "At the meeting organised with the editors-in-chief of the major Russian newspapers, I noted the broadly shared opinion that freedom of speech has remained substantial since 1991. It is true that there have been several recent reports of pressure on journalists."<!--statement 424--> <ref name=Alvaro/>


The highest ranked difficulty mentioned was the financial situation of the press. Most of the Moscow-based newspapers seek diverse sources of funding, "so that their independence will not be jeopardised and they will not have to turn to either the State or private shareholders, which are more often than not big industrial groups."<!--statement 425--> <ref name=Alvaro/> The highest ranked difficulty mentioned was the financial situation of the press. Most of the Moscow-based newspapers seek diverse sources of funding, "so that their independence will not be jeopardised and they will not have to turn to either the State or private shareholders, which are more often than not big industrial groups."<!--statement 425--> <ref name=Alvaro/>


Another specific problem was mentioned in relation to the press distribution outside the capital. While subscriptions to press was reliable in the capitals, difficulties with press subscriptions arose "in relation to other towns and cities, especially those in Siberia and the Far East": Another specific problem was mentioned in relation to the press distribution outside the capital. While subscriptions to press was reliable in the capitals, difficulties with press subscriptions arose "in relation to other towns and cities, especially those in Siberia and the Far East".

{{cquote|This situation was partly due to the great distance between these regions and the capital. But we were also told that, in some cities, the postal services followed instructions from the regional authorities to delay distribution of a given newspaper because of how journalists had reported the actions of a given authority. Whilst it is difficult to imagine such unacceptable behaviour, it must, wherever might occur, be ceased forthwith. <!--statement 426--> <ref name=Alvaro/>}}


===Television and radio=== ===Television and radio===
Russian television broadcasting is owned by the state directly or by companies with close link to the Russian goverment.<ref> (16 October 2009)</ref><ref name="RWB-heroesandhenchmen"> (September 2009)</ref>
: ''See also ]''
] noted, that "Television and radio find themselves in a quite different situation to that of the press, and their loss of independence raises a number of issues." <ref name=Alvaro/>


According to the ], "All three major television networks are now in the hands of Kremlin loyalists." Indeed, while "]" was state-owned since its foundation in 1991, major shareholders of ] and ] (] and ], respectively) sold their stocks to the government and ] in 2000-2001. Moreover, ], a media outlet owned by Berezovsky, was closed in ] using a laws hole. In ] ] channel which was formed mainly of former ] and ] was closed due to financial problems. <!--(in June editor-in-chief ] announced that lack of funding has made it impossible for the company to continue operating); the latter being a TV channel owned by Boris Berezovsky, to which a group of former NTV journalists was transferred.--><ref>, ], ] </ref> According to the ], "All three major television networks are now in the hands of Kremlin loyalists." Indeed, while "]" was state-owned since its foundation in 1991, major shareholders of ] and ] (] and ], respectively) sold their stocks to the government and ] in 2000-2001. Moreover, ], a media outlet owned by Berezovsky, was closed in ] using a laws hole. In ] ] channel which was formed mainly of former ] and ] was closed due to financial problems. <!--(in June editor-in-chief ] announced that lack of funding has made it impossible for the company to continue operating); the latter being a TV channel owned by Boris Berezovsky, to which a group of former NTV journalists was transferred.--><ref>, ], ] </ref>


Along with that, plenty of media outlets actively develop now while state participation in them is minimal <ref name="Npetro">, By Nicolai N Petro.</ref>. There are private Russian TV networks with the broadcast cover reaching the majority of the Russia's population: ] (known for the daily analytical talk show with ], analytical news program "Week" with ]), ] ("Postscriptum" with Aleksey Pushkov, "Moment of Truth" with ]), ].
] commented:
{{cquote|"It is true that these developments are partly due to economic processes, as the representatives of the authorities pointed out, but I believe that they reflect above all a taking of control of popular television and radio stations, whose broad coverage permits a degree of critical information to reach the majority of the population throughout the country. I was shocked to hear from the editors-in-chief of some of the main Russian newspapers and several of the leading television journalists I met on 30 June 2004 in Moscow that, of the thirty or so live programmes broadcast two or three years ago, not one remained on air, the last of them — symbolically entitled "Freedom of speech" — having been scrapped by NTV despite its great popularity." <ref name=Alvaro/>}}

A major TV channel ] (known for "Postscriptum" with Aleksey Pushkov, "Moment of Truth" with ]) is owned by the administration of the city of Moscow, rather than the state.

There are private Russian TV networks with the broadcast cover of the majority of the population: ], ] (known for the daily socially political talk show "With ]", analytical news program "Week" with Marianna Maksimovskaya). According to the ] newspaper,

{{cquote|The Channel 5 and REN-TV are the only Russian TV channels today the editorial policy of which is different from the state news. Only there opposition politicians are aired, as well as other events are reported that cause discontent of the authorities. <ref name=kommers3/>}}


Liberal opposition TV-Channel ] owned by ] is not broadcast in Russia, but available in that country through networks of ] and ], ] and ] networks. <ref></ref> A former editor of a program on that channel, ], believes it is the merit of the RTVi that the possibility of a third presidential term of ] was prevented, and that the "backdoor political technologists" were made to "abide to the Constitution, albeit with the ''Successor'' operation". <ref>, by Novata Gazeta, 2008</ref> Liberal opposition TV-Channel ] owned by ] is not broadcast in Russia, but available in that country through networks of ] and ], ] and ] networks. <ref></ref> A former editor of a program on that channel, ], believes it is the merit of the RTVi that the possibility of a third presidential term of ] was prevented, and that the "backdoor political technologists" were made to "abide to the Constitution, albeit with the ''Successor'' operation". <ref>, by Novata Gazeta, 2008</ref>

In 2004 report ] made a special comment about a Russian radio channel:
{{cquote|Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the work of the ] radio channel, which is internationally renowned and also a reference within the country itself. I have known this radio station for years and have always appreciated the frankness and professionalism of its journalists. It is never easy to reply to their direct questions but all its interviewees receive equal treatment, and this inspires respect. <ref name=Alvaro/>}}


===="Black lists" controversy==== ===="Black lists" controversy====
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====Alleged REN-TV and Channel 5 news ban controversy==== ====Alleged REN-TV and Channel 5 news ban controversy====


In October 16, 2009, ] newspaper reported that the owner of private television channels ] and ] had made changes to the managing structures of the channels. Referring to an anonymous source, Kommersant stated that as the result these channels would cease to broadcast independent news; instead, since 2010 they would receive the news from the state-powered TV-channel ]. However, the head of a REN-TV analytical news program "Week" ] was quoted by Kommersant as saying she held optimistic about the new executive director of REN-TV and sure that its editorial policy won't be altered. <ref name=kommers3>, by ], October 16, 2008</ref><ref> (16 October 2009)</ref> In October 16, 2009, ] newspaper reported that the owner of private television channels ] and ] had made changes to the managing structures of the channels. Referring to an anonymous source, Kommersant stated that as the result these channels would cease to broadcast independent news; instead, since 2010 they would receive the news from the state-powered TV-channel ]. As Kommersant wrote, "the Channel 5 and REN-TV are the only Russian TV channels today the editorial policy of which is different from the state news. Only there opposition politicians are aired, as well as other events are reported that cause discontent of the authorities." However, the head of a REN-TV analytical news program "Week" ] was quoted by Kommersant as saying she held optimistic about the new executive director of REN-TV and sure that its editorial policy won't be altered. <ref>, by ], October 16, 2008</ref><ref> (16 October 2009)</ref>


In October 19, press secretary of REN-TV channel Nazarov asserted that REN-TV and Channel 5 will receive from the ] "exclusively technological support", and the state channel will impose no influence on the informational part of the news. <ref>, by lenta.ru, October 19, 2009</ref> In October 19, press secretary of REN-TV channel Nazarov asserted that REN-TV and Channel 5 will receive from the ] "exclusively technological support", and the state channel will impose no influence on the informational part of the news. <ref>, by lenta.ru, October 19, 2009</ref>
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In October 22, ], a former head of REN-TV, and now CEO of ] that owns TV channels in question, said that while the possibility of partnership in order to produce more saturated and interesting news is discussed, "it's important to note that whatever business stratery would be chosen in that direction, editorial policy regarding news and its informational contents will not be altered." <ref>, by Lenizdat.Ru, October 22, 2009, (in Russian)</ref> In October 22, ], a former head of REN-TV, and now CEO of ] that owns TV channels in question, said that while the possibility of partnership in order to produce more saturated and interesting news is discussed, "it's important to note that whatever business stratery would be chosen in that direction, editorial policy regarding news and its informational contents will not be altered." <ref>, by Lenizdat.Ru, October 22, 2009, (in Russian)</ref>


The Channel 5 employs 1700 people in ], its sales in 2009 accounted for 20 millions USD, while the expenditures exceeded 100 millions. In October 19, employees of the TV channel published an open letter to the top Russian politicians, concerned over a possibility of mass dismissals. <ref>, (in Russian)</ref> In October 23, CEO of NMG-TV Vladimir Khanumyan in an interview promised no mass dismissals will take place; he also commented that "Information about Russia Today is generally some misunderstanding. I don't even understand how could it be used in our project. It's the TV channel which makes programs for the foreign audience in English and Arab languages. How does that relate to the Channel 5?" <ref> to ] newspaper, October 23, 2009</ref> The Channel 5 employs 1700 people in ], its sales in 2009 accounted for 20 millions USD, while the expenditures exceeded 100 millions. In October 19, employees of the TV channel published an open letter to the top Russian politicians, concerned over a possibility of mass dismissals. <ref>, (in Russian)</ref> In October 23, CEO of NMG-TV Vladimir Khanumyan in an interview promised no mass dismissals will take place; he also commented that "Information about Russia Today is generally some misunderstanding. I don't even understand how could it be used in our project. It's the TV channel which makes programs for the abroad audience in English and Arab languages. How does that relate to the Channel 5?" <ref> to ] newspaper, October 23, 2009</ref>


==Internet== ==Internet==
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Russia wasn't included in the list of 12 "Enemies of the Internet", prepared by the ] in March 2009. <ref>, Reporters Without Borders, March 12, 2009</ref> Russia wasn't included in the list of 12 "Enemies of the Internet", prepared by the ] in March 2009. <ref>, Reporters Without Borders, March 12, 2009</ref>


As reported by ] in April 2009 in ],
As reported by ] in April 2009 in ], {{cquote|Even discounting the chaotic nature of the web, there is plenty of Russian-language material on political and social issues that is well-written and represents a wide range of views. This does not mean, though, that most Russians are well-informed of the important political and social issues of today. But this is largely a matter of personal choice, not government restrictions. If somebody is too lazy to make just a few clicks to read and become aware of various issues and points of view, maybe he deserves to be fed bland, one-sided government propaganda.<ref>, by ], ], April 8, 2009</ref>}}


{{cquote|Even discounting the chaotic nature of the web, there is plenty of Russian-language material on political and social issues that is well-written and represents a wide range of views. This does not mean, though, that most Russians are well-informed of the important political and social issues of today. But this is largely a matter of personal choice, not government restrictions. If somebody is too lazy to make just a few clicks to read and become aware of various issues and points of view, maybe he deserves to be fed bland, one-sided government propaganda.<ref>, by ], ], April 8, 2009</ref>}}
A number of Russian websites provide Russian translations of the world press on a regular basis: ], ], .

Notably, a number of Russian websites provide Russian translations of the world press on a regular basis: ], ], .


===Controversies=== ===Controversies===
Line 155: Line 108:


==Regional media== ==Regional media==
According to report by Reporters Without Borders in 2009, "the current situation of the media in the Russian regions provides grounds for hope as well as for concern".<ref name="RWB-heroesandhenchmen" /> The regional print media has been able to maintain a solid position as an information resource. However, most publishers shy away from politically charged topics in order not to endanger their business. The situation is similar in radio where journalist has set up an Internet forum in which radio journalists can publish reports that their often strictly formatted radio stations refuse to broadcast.<ref name="RWB-heroesandhenchmen" />
Following his visit to Russia in 2004, ] reported:


Speaking about the obstacles that make that diversity "being tested somewhat", Gil-Robles noted "deliberate attempts to restrict the media's freedom of expression", and the financial issues that reflect "a difficult or in some cases disastrous economic situation".
{{Quotation2|The press is highly developed in the regions. Russians have long been great readers of newspapers, averaging between one and two a day. I was struck by the number of newsstands and vendors in all manner of places - kiosks, stations, bus-stops, streets - and by the strong distribution of regional press. The very widespread practice of subscription is further evidence of the press' popularity. Newspapers remain affordable and this partly explains the obvious enthusiasm shown by the great majority of Russians.<ref name=Alvaro/>}}

{{cquote|It seems to be increasingly the case that regional authorities agree to fund regional press in return for favourable treatment from it, with the result that journalists can be hampered in their work by increasingly close ties between the media and local authorities.<ref name=Alvaro/>}}
Speaking about the obstacles that make that diversity "being tested somewhat", Gil-Robles noted "deliberate attempts to restrict the media's freedom of expression", and the financial issues that reflect "a difficult or in some cases disastrous economic situation". He reported:
{{Quotation2|It seems to be increasingly the case that regional authorities agree to fund regional press in return for favourable treatment from it, with the result that journalists can be hampered in their work by increasingly close ties between the media and local authorities.<ref name=Alvaro/>}}


According to Gil-Robles: "Finally, the only media to remain relatively independent in the regions are the big Moscow-based dailies, most of which carry a regional insert. As they are funded by their publishing group, they maintain a greater objectivity as regards regional authorities."<ref name=Alvaro/> According to Gil-Robles: "Finally, the only media to remain relatively independent in the regions are the big Moscow-based dailies, most of which carry a regional insert. As they are funded by their publishing group, they maintain a greater objectivity as regards regional authorities."<ref name=Alvaro/>


==Resposense to criticism==
According to report by Reporters Without Borders in 2009, "the current situation of the media in the Russian regions provides grounds for hope as well as for concern".<ref name="RWB-heroesandhenchmen"> (September 2009)</ref> The regional print media has been able to maintain a solid position as an information resource. However, most publishers shy away from politically charged topics in order not to endanger their business. The situation is similar in radio where journalist has set up an Internet forum in which radio journalists can publish reports that their often strictly formatted radio stations refuse to broadcast.<ref name="RWB-heroesandhenchmen" />
===Censorship===

===Media in the ]===
Gil-Robles reported:
{{Quotation2|I must say that I was impressed by the sheer number of local media in the region. Not even counting the printed press, sixteen regional television channels is a surprising figure. I was also told that the different channels follow very different editorial lines and sometimes even take up radically opposed positions. I regard this as a fine example of media freedom, which reflects the healthy administration of democracy in the region overall. It seems that the media have no hesitation in criticising the Governor and his administration without any fear of repression.<ref name=Alvaro/>}}

As an issue, Gil-Robles noted the "broadcasting ban on the private television and radio company Telekon" in 2004. As reported on the Telekon's website, its radio and television broadcast was re-established in August 2007. <ref>, at the official site (in Russia)</ref>

A major TV company of the ] is TAU ("Television Agency of ]"). That company won a prestigeous Russian TV award ] in 1999. The daily news program "Nine and a half" broadcast by this channel is viewed by 1/4 of the ] population, and its popularity contests that of a news program of federal TV network ].<ref> (in Russian)</ref>

==Censorship==
According to journalist ], "People invent censorship for themselves, and what happens on some TV channels, some newspapers, happens not because Putin dials them and says: ''No, this mustn't go.'' But because their bosses are fools."<ref>{{ru icon}} </ref> However, ] ] in interview with ] has disputed this assertion: "Today the directors of the television channels and the newspapers are invited every Thursday into the Kremlin office of the deputy head of administration, ] to learn what news should be presented, and where. Journalists are bought with enormous salaries. In discussions they tell us then how horrible it is to work in the state television service." . According to journalist ], "People invent censorship for themselves, and what happens on some TV channels, some newspapers, happens not because Putin dials them and says: ''No, this mustn't go.'' But because their bosses are fools."<ref>{{ru icon}} </ref> However, ] ] in interview with ] has disputed this assertion: "Today the directors of the television channels and the newspapers are invited every Thursday into the Kremlin office of the deputy head of administration, ] to learn what news should be presented, and where. Journalists are bought with enormous salaries. In discussions they tell us then how horrible it is to work in the state television service." .


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Russian politilogist ] spoke positively in regards of censorship, aimed against such issues as brutality on TV screens, or issues (in particular religious ones) that may injure people's feelings. <ref name=kara>, interview with Sergey Kara-Murza, 2003 (in Russian)</ref> Russian politilogist ] spoke positively in regards of censorship, aimed against such issues as brutality on TV screens, or issues (in particular religious ones) that may injure people's feelings. <ref name=kara>, interview with Sergey Kara-Murza, 2003 (in Russian)</ref>


According to 2008 Human Rights Report by the ] the Government generally respects freedom of expression, but it restricts issues such as ], ], ] and criticism of the administration.<ref name="usstatedep-hrr2008"> (February 25, 2009)</ref> According to 2008 Human Rights Report by the ] the Government generally respects freedom of expression, but it restrict issues such as ], ], ] and criticism of the administration.<ref name="usstatedep-hrr2008"> (February 25, 2009)</ref>

==Freedom House overviews==
] scores nations on political freedom.
{{legend|#219A57|Free}}
{{legend|#FFC27B|Partly Free}}
{{legend|#B30000|Not Free}}]]
According to the ] report 2009 by ], Russia's status is "not free".<ref></ref> The organisation reports declining of the media freedom in 2008 and "Soviet-style" media management. According to the report the Russian constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, but in reality, the politized and corrupt court system is used against independent journalists.<ref name="freedom2009"></ref>

{{Quotation2|Russia remained one of the most dangerous countries in the world for the media due to widespread lawlessness that allows politicians, security agents, and criminals to silence journalists by any means.<ref name="freedom2009" />}}

According to the Freedom House, authorities influence on media outlets and news content. The government owns 60 percent of newspapers, and in whole or in part, all national televisio stations.<ref name="freedom2009" />
===Criticism of Freedom House in Russia===


===Criticism of Freedom House===
Activities of Freedom House in regards of assessments of the situation in Russia are widely criticized in that country as russophobic. Activities of Freedom House in regards of assessments of the situation in Russia are widely criticized in that country as russophobic.


Revision as of 13:07, 1 November 2009

2008 RWB press freedom rankings   Free   Not Free

The issue of the freedom of the press in Russia involves both the ability of directors of mass media outlets to carry out independent policy and the ability of journalists to access sources of information and to work without outer pressure. Media in Russia include television and radio channels, periodicals, and Internet media, which according to the laws of Russian Federation may be either a state or a private property.

Contemporary situation of the freedom of the press is widely critized by multiple international organisations, such as International Press Institute, Reporters Without Borders, Freedom House, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. According to International Press Institute, the Russian laws, bureaucratic regulations and politically motivated criminal investigations have forced the press into self-censorship.

In 2009 Reporters Without Borders ranked Russia 153th out of 175 in the Press Freedom Index. According to International Press Institute, Russia is the most dangerous European country for journalists. According to Human Rights Watch, the Russian government control over civil society through selective implementation of the law, restriction and censure.

Administrative acts

Legal position

Freedom of the press is provided by the Constitution of Russia. The important law in context of the media freedom is the 1991 Law "On mass media", that guarantees freedom of expression for media, journalists' rights and citizens' right for information.

A new law to be implemented at the beginning of 2009 will allow reporters investigating corruption in Russia to be protected. Under new legislation, they will be able to apply for special protection, like court witnesses. The new law is part of a grander national plan to fight corruption in Russia, an area that President Dmitry Medvedev has focused much of his attention on.

Ombudsman

Russia's ombudsman is appointed for a certain term by the Parliament. The ombudsman cannot be dismissed before the end of his term, and is not subordinate to any body of power, including the President or the Government. Russia’s 83 administrative regions has the right to elect a local ombudsman whose authority is limited to that region. Less than half have done so.

Russian Ombudsman Vladimir Lukin reported in 2006, that suggesting that freedom of speech is non-existent in Russia would be an exaggeration, the constitutional right for speech freedom is basically observed, as well as there's no institutionalised censorship. Apparently for these very reasons journalists and publishers seldom appeal to the Commissioner protesting restrictions of their right of seeking, receiving, transferring, publishing or distributing information. Yet disguised restrictions exist to a considerable degree, they are often put through the economic pressure on mass media by the authorities and loyal business. The so-called "self-censorship" which induces journalists to refrain from disseminating information which, in their opinion, may not please the authorities, is also widespread. So in many places the right to praise the authorities is ensured, while the opposite right is just formally declared.

In 2008 annual report Vladimir Lukin wrote, that it's important to have the comprehensive legal interpretation of the terms that may limit the freedom of thought and word. He spoke against the election legislation amendment that is "a practical prohibition" of contesting candidates criticism, calling it obviously excessive. And Lukin was critical about the Law on combating extremist activities, noting that extremism and dissent must be strictly legally divided.

Issues under debate

Government ownership and control

The Russian Government has a large media empire, which it uses to influence on media outlets and news content. In recent years, companies with close links to the Government, state-owned Gazprom among them, have bought most influential media outlets. The Russian government owns 60 percent of newspapers, and in whole or in part, all national televisio stations. The last two remaining semi-independent television channels REN TV and Channel 5 will become under state control in 2010.

In 2007, a report by professor of politics Nicolai N. Petro asserted that foreign companies owned shares in over half of all Russian broadcasting companies and not the state. He claimed that critics concentrated solely on national television media, while "detailed statistics also demolish the myth that Putin dominates national television and allows no critical reporting". In the same report, Petro declared that for the first time in modern Russian history independent media had become profitable.

Pressure on independent media

The Russian Government pressure has weaked freedom of expression and media independence, particularly of the major television networks. Authorities pressure the owners of outlets to soften critical coverage and harass journalist into practicing self-censorship. The government used its controlling ownership to restrict access to information about issues deemed sensitive.

According to the World Press Freedom Review 2008 by International Press Institute, Russian independent media is under increasing pressure. The goverment use variety of methods to control of broadcasters, to sideline critical journalists, and to intimidate them into self-censorship. According to the Freedom House report the Russian constitution provides for freedom of speech and of the press, but in reality, the politized and corrupt court system is used against independent journalists.

As stated in the 2008 report of the United States Department of State, the Russian Government generally respects freedom of expression, but it restrict issues such as Chechnya, human rights, corruption and criticism of the administration.

Selective use of regulations and criminal investigations

The Russian Government use selectively politicized regulations and bureaucratic harassment to inhibit media outlets.

In 2008 Amnesty International criticized the run-up to parliamentary and presidential elections as "a clampdown on the freedoms of assembly and expression", stating that "the authorities have violently dispersed some opposition demonstrations, while pro-government events have gone ahead without interference."

Assaults on journalists

File:Anna politkovskaia paris.jpg
Posters with photo of journalist Anna Politkovskaya assassinated in Moscow in 2006. While a partial progress, the case is not yet solved.

Since the early 1990s, a number of Russian reporters who have covered the situation in Chechnya, contentious stories on organized crime, state and administrative officials, and large businesses have been killed. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, since 1992, 50 journalists have been murdered for their professional activity in Russia (which made it the third deadliest country for journalist in the 1992–2006 period): 30 journalists from 1993 to 2000, and 20 journalists since 2000.

According to Glasnost Defence Foundation, there were 9 cases of suspicious deaths of journalists in 2006, as well as 59 assaults on journalists, and 12 attacks on editorial offices. In 2005, the list of all cases included 7 deaths, 63 assaults, 12 attacks on editorial offices, 23 incidents of censorship, 42 criminal prosecutions, 11 illegal layoffs, 47 cases of detention by militsiya, 382 lawsuits, 233 cases of obstruction, 23 closings of editorial offices, 10 evictions, 28 confiscations of printed production, 23 cases of stopping broadcasting, 38 refusals to distribute or print production, 25 acts of intimidation, and 344 other violations of Russian journalist's rights.

On October 7, 2006, Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, well known for her criticisms of Russia's actions in Chechnya and the pro-Russia Chechen government, was shot in the lobby of her apartment building. The death of this Russian journalist triggered an outcry of criticism of Russia in the Western media, with accusations that, at best, Putin has failed to protect the country's new independent media.

International Press Institute reports selective use of regulations, politically motivated criminal investigations, journalist imprisonments, outlet shutdowns and aggressive harassments by security services. According to the organization, Russia remains the most dangerous European country for journalists, with four killed in 2009.

The Amnesty International reported in 2009, that "Human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers who spoke openly about human rights abuses faced threats and intimidation. The police appeared to be reluctant to investigate such threats and a climate of impunity for attacks on civil society activists prevailed." The Amnesty International reported also a "climate of growing intolerance towards independent views". According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, Russia is a more dangerous place now than it was during the Cold War. Only Iraq and Algeria outrank it on the list of most life-threatening countries for the press.

Media outlets

The Press

Russia has very wide range of newspapers, over 400 daily, for every field. Ownership of newspapers was dominated by oligarchs in the 1990s. In recent years companies close the Russian government, such as Gazprom, have acquired newspapers.

Following his 2004 visit to Russia Gil-Robles reported, "At the meeting organised with the editors-in-chief of the major Russian newspapers, I noted the broadly shared opinion that freedom of speech has remained substantial since 1991. It is true that there have been several recent reports of pressure on journalists."

The highest ranked difficulty mentioned was the financial situation of the press. Most of the Moscow-based newspapers seek diverse sources of funding, "so that their independence will not be jeopardised and they will not have to turn to either the State or private shareholders, which are more often than not big industrial groups."

Another specific problem was mentioned in relation to the press distribution outside the capital. While subscriptions to press was reliable in the capitals, difficulties with press subscriptions arose "in relation to other towns and cities, especially those in Siberia and the Far East".

Television and radio

Russian television broadcasting is owned by the state directly or by companies with close link to the Russian goverment.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, "All three major television networks are now in the hands of Kremlin loyalists." Indeed, while "Сhannel Russia" was state-owned since its foundation in 1991, major shareholders of ORT and NTV (Boris Berezovsky and Vladimir Gusinsky, respectively) sold their stocks to the government and Gazprom in 2000-2001. Moreover, TV6, a media outlet owned by Berezovsky, was closed in 2002 using a laws hole. In 2003 TVS channel which was formed mainly of former NTV and TV6 was closed due to financial problems.

Along with that, plenty of media outlets actively develop now while state participation in them is minimal . There are private Russian TV networks with the broadcast cover reaching the majority of the Russia's population: REN TV (known for the daily analytical talk show with Tigran Keosayan, analytical news program "Week" with Marianna Maksimovskaya), TV Center ("Postscriptum" with Aleksey Pushkov, "Moment of Truth" with Andrey Karaulov), Petersburg - Channel 5.

Liberal opposition TV-Channel RTVi owned by Vladimir Gusinsky is not broadcast in Russia, but available in that country through networks of cable and satellite television, MMDS and IPTV networks. A former editor of a program on that channel, Vladimir Kara-Murza, believes it is the merit of the RTVi that the possibility of a third presidential term of Vladimir Putin was prevented, and that the "backdoor political technologists" were made to "abide to the Constitution, albeit with the Successor operation".

"Black lists" controversy

As reported by Clifford J. Levy in 2008 New York Times article, all Putin's opponents are being made to vanish from Russian TV. They are blacklisted and not allowed to appear in TV shows. In one example, a presentation critical of Putin's policies has been digitally erased .

As reported by Russian scientist Sergey L. Lopatnikov, information about "black lists" is nonsense; an argument was made that not less than 35-40% of participants of NTV-aired talk show "At a barrier" hosted by Vladimir Solovyov during the last two years represented the liberal opposition (including Novodvorskaya, Ivanenko, Nemtsov, Hakamada); from January to May 2008, overt adversaries of Vladimir Putin participated in 9 of 16 (more than 50%) issues of the talk show .

Alleged REN-TV and Channel 5 news ban controversy

In October 16, 2009, Kommersant newspaper reported that the owner of private television channels REN TV and Channel 5 had made changes to the managing structures of the channels. Referring to an anonymous source, Kommersant stated that as the result these channels would cease to broadcast independent news; instead, since 2010 they would receive the news from the state-powered TV-channel Russia Today. As Kommersant wrote, "the Channel 5 and REN-TV are the only Russian TV channels today the editorial policy of which is different from the state news. Only there opposition politicians are aired, as well as other events are reported that cause discontent of the authorities." However, the head of a REN-TV analytical news program "Week" Marianna Maksimovskaya was quoted by Kommersant as saying she held optimistic about the new executive director of REN-TV and sure that its editorial policy won't be altered.

In October 19, press secretary of REN-TV channel Nazarov asserted that REN-TV and Channel 5 will receive from the Russia Today "exclusively technological support", and the state channel will impose no influence on the informational part of the news.

In October 22, Alexander Orjonikize, a former head of REN-TV, and now CEO of National Media Group that owns TV channels in question, said that while the possibility of partnership in order to produce more saturated and interesting news is discussed, "it's important to note that whatever business stratery would be chosen in that direction, editorial policy regarding news and its informational contents will not be altered."

The Channel 5 employs 1700 people in St. Petersburg, its sales in 2009 accounted for 20 millions USD, while the expenditures exceeded 100 millions. In October 19, employees of the TV channel published an open letter to the top Russian politicians, concerned over a possibility of mass dismissals. In October 23, CEO of NMG-TV Vladimir Khanumyan in an interview promised no mass dismissals will take place; he also commented that "Information about Russia Today is generally some misunderstanding. I don't even understand how could it be used in our project. It's the TV channel which makes programs for the abroad audience in English and Arab languages. How does that relate to the Channel 5?"

Internet

Following his visit to Russia in 2004, Gil-Robles noted high quality of news and reaction speed of Russia's electronic media. Virtually all the main newspapers were available on-line, some even opting for Web as a sole information outlet. Russia's press agencies (including the most important Ria-Novosti and Itar-Tass) were also well represented in the Web. However, only a minority (8% of the population) had Internet access that time.

In May 2008, some 32.7 million users in Russia had continuous access to the internet, what accounted for internet penetration of almost 30%.

As reported by Agence France-Presse, "The Internet is the freest area of the media in Russia, where almost all television and many newspapers are under formal or unofficial government control".

Russia wasn't included in the list of 12 "Enemies of the Internet", prepared by the Reporters Without Borders in March 2009.

As reported by Kirill Pankratov in April 2009 in The Moscow Times,

Even discounting the chaotic nature of the web, there is plenty of Russian-language material on political and social issues that is well-written and represents a wide range of views. This does not mean, though, that most Russians are well-informed of the important political and social issues of today. But this is largely a matter of personal choice, not government restrictions. If somebody is too lazy to make just a few clicks to read and become aware of various issues and points of view, maybe he deserves to be fed bland, one-sided government propaganda.

Notably, a number of Russian websites provide Russian translations of the world press on a regular basis: InoSmi, InoForum, InoPressa.

Controversies

Magomed Yevloyev, editor of Ingushetia.org, a vocal critic of the region's administration, was murdered in August, 2008.

At the background of December 2008 demonstrations in Vladivostok, it was reported by Kontury news website that FSB officers addressed moderators of the ru_auto Internet community with a request to remove stories about the Vladivostok protests. The major reason, as reported by a moderator of the resource, was that a number of repeating posts with the information about protests worsened some sort of statistics on people's attitudes. The moderator in question requested bloggers to publish only unique posts about protest actions.

SORM

A System of Ensuring Investigative Activity, SORM, an amendment signed into law by Putin. SORM allowed law enforcement bodies to monitor Internet traffic and required ISPs to assist law enforcement in their investigations. In late 2000, Russian Supreme Court ruled that the law enforcement bodies are required to obtain a warrant and inform ISPs when law enforcement agents were using the system. Similar laws exist in most developed countries with large internet populations.

Regional media

According to report by Reporters Without Borders in 2009, "the current situation of the media in the Russian regions provides grounds for hope as well as for concern". The regional print media has been able to maintain a solid position as an information resource. However, most publishers shy away from politically charged topics in order not to endanger their business. The situation is similar in radio where journalist has set up an Internet forum in which radio journalists can publish reports that their often strictly formatted radio stations refuse to broadcast.

Speaking about the obstacles that make that diversity "being tested somewhat", Gil-Robles noted "deliberate attempts to restrict the media's freedom of expression", and the financial issues that reflect "a difficult or in some cases disastrous economic situation".

It seems to be increasingly the case that regional authorities agree to fund regional press in return for favourable treatment from it, with the result that journalists can be hampered in their work by increasingly close ties between the media and local authorities.

According to Gil-Robles: "Finally, the only media to remain relatively independent in the regions are the big Moscow-based dailies, most of which carry a regional insert. As they are funded by their publishing group, they maintain a greater objectivity as regards regional authorities."

Resposense to criticism

Censorship

According to journalist Maxim Kononenko, "People invent censorship for themselves, and what happens on some TV channels, some newspapers, happens not because Putin dials them and says: No, this mustn't go. But because their bosses are fools." However, political scientist Yevgenia Albats in interview with Eduard Steiner has disputed this assertion: "Today the directors of the television channels and the newspapers are invited every Thursday into the Kremlin office of the deputy head of administration, Vladislav Surkov to learn what news should be presented, and where. Journalists are bought with enormous salaries. In discussions they tell us then how horrible it is to work in the state television service." .

According to 2005 research conducted by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM), the number of Russians who approve of censorship on TV has grown in a year from 63% to 82%; sociologists believe that Russians are not voting in favor of press freedom suppression, but rather for expulsion of ethically doubtful material (such as scenes of violence and sex: 57% for restricting of violence/ sex depiction on TV, 30% for ban of fraudelent businesses ads; and 24% for products for sex ads and 'criminal way of life propaganda' films).

Alexei Bayer, writing for the liberal opposition-minded Moscow Times newspaper, said, that aside from the main television channels, journalists in Russia can generally write whatever they wish and criticize and ridicule even topmost officials.

The World Report 2009 by Human Rights Watch claimed that the Russian government controlled over civil society through selective implementation of the law, media restrictions and harassment of activists and human rights defenders.

Russian politilogist Sergey Kara-Murza spoke positively in regards of censorship, aimed against such issues as brutality on TV screens, or issues (in particular religious ones) that may injure people's feelings.

According to 2008 Human Rights Report by the United States Department of State the Government generally respects freedom of expression, but it restrict issues such as Chechnya, human rights, corruption and criticism of the administration.

Criticism of Freedom House

Activities of Freedom House in regards of assessments of the situation in Russia are widely criticized in that country as russophobic.

In 2007, head of the President's Council for aiding development of institutions of civilian society and human rights Ella Pamfilova said that the results of Freedom House investigation in regards of Russia look "ridiculous, awkward and far-fetched" :

Many authoritative international organizations know perfectly what is the Freedom House. Among their leaders there is the former CIA head and many people who essentialy hate Russia. This organization is for long the tool of the U.S. politics, such a human-rights bludgeon.

According to MSIIR professor Aleksey Pushkov:

There's a sensation that their anti-Russian attitude has no relation to reality but is related to different tasks, that is, of maintaining the very unfavourable image of Russia abroad.

Stances by the Russian opposition towards the press freedom

Head of the largest opposition party, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov spoke in 2007 in support of the press freedom :

In the meantime you, the journalists, can also rely on us. We are the last bastion of speech freedom and democracy in Russia. Without us there would be such extent of crime and the police state, that all of you would do bad. Essentially, you hear and watch that every day. You are treated now very simply: if you say something wrong, you are thrown from your job in 24 hours. But we will guarantee the speech freedom and normal democratic elections.

The country's socialist party, Fair Russia has the program that involves the following points :

Our party speaks in support of mass media defense from the pressure of commercial and governmental structures. We are for the responsibility in the cause of realization of speech freedom principle. The speech freedom must rely on the moral and ethical norms and be subject to the corporate ethics of the mass media. The media must held responsible for the "pullution of man's informational environment", and the society must control the quality of the information.

The television is a powerful means to influence the moral and ethical condition of the society, and we have no right to ignore its contents.

The party speaks in support of the open informational society. We believe it's principally important to provide the Internet access for every citizen of the country.

The country's nationalist party LDPR makes the following statements in its program:

For LDPR the basic norm is that a person must be that much free, as one's freedom doesn't start to restrict freedom of a different person.

The country's liberal democratic party Right Cause makes the following points in its program:

We do not need charity gifts, but the liberty — liberty of choice, liberty of business, liberty of the word and the equal rights for everyone. That all is only possible under the effective power, responsible before the society and the law. We need the order based not on the right of the force and privileges but on the law, the single one for everybody.

We united in the name of the principle "The state is for a person, but not a person is for the state."

...

We consider the free media the most important institute of the civilian society, the means of control over the authorities. Only the media, independent from both the state will and the private corporate interests may be the effective tool of the democratic system.

We speak for the establishment of the media managed by the society, including TV, radio and a newspaper.

We are for strengthening the rights of the media to receive from the state or other bodies of power any not secret information after an inquiry, while the refuse to provide the information or its deliberate skewing must be punished by the Administrative or the Criminal Code.

We are against state endowments paid to the media, including the ones established by the state bodies or other structures, as such endowments are a form of pressure imposed on the media. In the same time we are for broadening the taxation privileges for the media, including the ones related to advertising revenues.

We are against the free interpretation of the limitations imposed on the activities of the media under pretexts of combating the terrorism, incitement of social or religious discord, etc., what means in practice limitation of media freedom for the sake of this or that authority benefits.

The United Civil Front, headed by a Russian oppositioner Garry Kasparov makes the following claims in its manifesto:

Our country is ruled by the regime which stands against both the interests of Russia as a whole, and practically every its citizen. Except only for the top people in the security services and the corrupted bureaucracy, that use the state machine in their private interests. This regime makes the steady go to destroy all the institutes of the democratic society: elections, free media, independent court.

...

The major UCF task of the day is breaking the Putin's regime, its complete dismantling. We believe that today it's already impossible to limit ourselves with the only constatation of the fact that Russia is headed towards the wrong direction. Today it is the time to come from words into the action, plainly because it will be late tomorrow. It's this phrase — "From words to the action" — that will become the major motto of the new organization at the current stage.

See also

References

  1. ^ International Press Institute: Russia
  2. Reporters Without Borders: Europe no longer so exemplary, Russian tragedy deepens
  3. Reporters Without Borders: Indeks svabody pressy 2009 god (in Russia)
  4. ^ Freedom House: Freedom of Press 2009
  5. ^ Human Rights Watch: World Report, Russia p. 393
  6. Amnesty International: Amnesty International Report 2009 - Russia
  7. Amnesty International: Freedom curtailed in the Russian Federation
  8. Index of Reporters without Borders, 2009
  9. International Press Institute: Europe Overview
  10. The Constitution of the Russian Federation
  11. Law Of The Russian Federation No.2124-1 Of December 27, 1991 On Mass Media
  12. New law protects journalists Russia Today Retrieved on July 22, 2008
  13. St. Petersburg Times: Controversial Ombudsman Mikhailov Dismissed (October 23, 2009)
  14. THE REPORT Of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Russian Federation For the Year 2006, (in English)
  15. ^ 2008 Report of Russian Ombudsman (in Russian)
  16. BBC: The press in Russia (16 May 2008)
  17. Guardian: Dissenting voices to be silenced as liberal Russian TV channels come under state control (16 October 2009)
  18. ^ Russia as friend, not foe, By Nicolai N Petro.
  19. ^ US State Department: 2008 Human Rights Report: Russia (February 25, 2009)
  20. ^ The Committee to Protect Journalists: Anatomy of injustice (September 2009)
  21. Amnesty International: Freedom curtailed in the Russian Federation
  22. Journalist Politkovskaya murder retrial begins in Moscow, August 5, 2009
  23. CPJ calls on Putin to take responsibility for Politkovskaya murder probe - Committee to Protect Journalists
  24. Attacks 2005: EUROPE and CENTRAL ASIA
  25. http://cpj.org/deadly/cpj-database.xls
  26. Конфликты, зафиксированные службой мониторинга ФЗГ на территории РФ в течение 2006 года
  27. Конфликты, зафиксированные ФЗГ в течение 2005 года на территории РФ
  28. Putin's Russia failed to protect this brave woman, Joan Smith.
  29. Anna Politkovskaya, Prominent Russian Journalist, Putin Critic and Human Rights Activist, Murdered in Moscow, Democracy Now
  30. International Press Institute: Europe Overview
  31. BBC: The press in Russia (16 May 2008 )
  32. ^ "Report by Mr. Alvaro Gil-Robles on his Visits to the Russian Federation". Council of Europe, Commissioner for Human Rights. 2005-04-20. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
  33. Guardian: Dissenting voices to be silenced as liberal Russian TV channels come under state control (16 October 2009)
  34. ^ Reporters Without Borders: Russia, Heroes and Henchmen, The Work of Journalist and the Media in Russian Regions (September 2009)
  35. Financial Times: Russian media set for landmark deals, January 8, 2002
  36. Official site of RTVi
  37. Near the broken air, by Novata Gazeta, 2008
  38. It Isn’t Magic: Putin Opponents Vanish From TV New York Times, June 3, 2008 Related discussion
  39. REN-TV and Channel 5 will get different news, by Kommersant, October 16, 2008
  40. Guardian: Dissenting voices to be silenced as liberal Russian TV channels come under state control (16 October 2009)
  41. REN-TV will retain its own news, by lenta.ru, October 19, 2009
  42. CEO of NMG: editorial policy regarding news on Channel 5 and REN-TV won't be altered, by Lenizdat.Ru, October 22, 2009, (in Russian)
  43. Employees of the Channel 5 threaten mass protests, (in Russian)
  44. Interview of Vladimir Khanumyan to Business Peterburg newspaper, October 23, 2009
  45. 33m internet users in Russia, IT & Telecoms in Russia
  46. Russian prosecutors eye Internet censorship, AFP
  47. Internet monitored and controlled, even in democracies, Reporters Without Borders, March 12, 2009
  48. Russia Is No Enemy of the Internet, by Kirill Pankratov, The Moscow Times, April 8, 2009
  49. Kremlin critic shot in Ingushetia, BBC
  50. Protests on Car Tariffs Erupt in Russia, New York Times, December 22,2008
  52. Template:Ru icon Interview with M. Kononenko by Itartass
  53. Source: 82% of Russians Approve TV Censorship, Russian Development Portal, 24 June 2005
    , A point to note is, that according to the Article 29/5 of the Constitution of Russia, Censorship shall be prohibited.
  54. Bayer, Alexei (2008-08-17). . The Moscow Times. Retrieved 2009-08-17. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help); External link in |title= (help)
  55. Human Rights Watch: World Report 2009: Russia
  56. Managing the image of death..., interview with Sergey Kara-Murza, 2003 (in Russian)
  57. ^ Human rights defenders were offended by the Freedom House, by NewIzv, February 2, 2007 (in Russian)
  58. Rating of countries published by FH is obvious political nonsense, by A. Pushkov, February 2007
  59. ^ The victory of Communists at the election is in interests of everybody
  60. Program documents of Fair Russia -- Culture and the mass media (in Russian)
  61. Program of LDPR, (in Russian)
  62. Program of the Right Cause, (in Russian)
  63. Manifesto of the United Civil Front
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