condition of media in Russia

Overview of media in Russia

Russian TV broadcasting is dominated by channels that are either run directly by the state owned by companies with close links to the kremlin. The government controls channel one and Russia TV- two of the main three main federal channels- while state controlled energy giant Gazprom owns NTV. Critics say independent reporting has suffered as a result.

For most Russians, television, especially via the national networks, is the main source of domestic and international news. The broadcasting market is very competitive; state owned or influenced TV networks attract the biggest audiences. Hundreds of radio stations crowd the dial; state run networks compete with music- based commercial FM stations.

An English language satellite channel, Russia today, was launched in late 2005. The news- based station is funded by the kremlin and aims to present "global news from Russian perspective." There are more than 400 dailies, catering for every taste and persuasion. The major national are based in Moscow, but many readers in the regions prefer to take local papers. Several influential's dailies have been brought by companies with the close links to the kremlin.

The conflict in Chenchnya has been blamed for government attacks on press freedom. Journalist have been killed in chenchnya while others have disappeared or have been abducted. In Moscow and elsewhere journalist have been harassed or physically abused. Reporters investigating the affairs of the political and corporate elite are said to be particulary at risk.

Media rights organisation reporters without borders has expressed concern at the "absence of pluralism in news and information, an intensifying crackdown against journalists and the drastic state of press freedom in Chenchnya." According to internet world stats December 2008, around 38 million Russians use the internet.