RUSSIA

MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 Tracking Development of Sustainable Independent Media Around the World RUSSIA AT A GLANCE

GENERAL MEDIA-SPECIFIC ▶▶Population: 142,122,776 (July 2018 est., CIA ▶▶Languages (% of population): Russian ▶▶Number of active print outlets, radio ▶▶Broadcast ratings: Top three channels by World Factbook) (official) 85.7%, Tatar 3.2%, Chechen 1%, stations, television stations, Internet daily audience: Russia-1 (12.8%); Channel One ▶▶Capital city: Moscow other 10.1% (2010 est., CIA World Factbook) news portals: Print: 20,315 newspapers, (11.8%); NTV (9.3%) (Mediascope, 2018) ▶▶Ethnic groups (% of population): Russian ▶▶GNI (2016-Atlas): $1.356 trillion (World Bank 28,508 magazines; Radio Stations: 3,405; ▶▶News agencies: ITAR-TASS (state), Russia 77.7%, Tatar 3.7%, Ukrainian 1.4%, Bashkir Development Indicators, 2017) TV Stations: 2,945; Online: 12,746 news Today (state), Interfax (private) sites (Federal Agency for Press and Mass 1.1%, Chuvash 1%, Chechen 1%, other 10.2%, ▶▶GNI per capita (2016-PPP): $9,230 (World ▶▶Annual advertising revenue in media Communication, 2018) unspecified 3.9% (2010 est., CIA World Bank Development Indicators, 2017) sector: RUB 469 billion ($7.3 billion) in 2018 Factbook) ▶▶Literacy rate: 99.7% (male 99.7%, female ▶▶Newspaper circulation statistics: Top three (Association of Russian Communication ▶▶Religions (% of population): Russian 99.6%) (2015 est., CIA World Factbook) daily general new national newspapers by Agencies, 2019) readership (May–October 2018): Rossiyskaya Orthodox 15–20%, Muslim 10–15%, other ▶▶President or top authority: President Christian 2% (2006 est., CIA World Factbook) Vladimir Putin (since May 7, 2012) Gazeta (737,800/1.2% of population, state-owned); Moskovskiy Komsomolets (690,700/1.1% of population, private); Izvestia (436,500/0.7% of population, private) (Mediascope, 2019)

MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX: RUSSIA SCORE KEY Unsustainable, Anti-Free Press (0–1): Country does not meet or only minimally meets objectives. Government and laws actively hinder free media development, professionalism

SUSTAINABLE is low, and media-industry activity is minimal.

Unsustainable Mixed System (1–2): Country minimally meets objectives, with segments of the legal system and

NEAR government opposed to a free media system. Evident progress in free-press advocacy, increased professionalism, and new SUSTAINABILITY media businesses may be too recent to judge sustainability.

2.02 Near Sustainability (2–3): Country has progressed in meeting 1.87 1.86 1.81 1.79 1.78 1.76

1.74 multiple objectives, with legal norms, professionalism, and the 1.67 1.68 1.63 SUSTAINABILITY 1.56 business environment supportive of independent media. Advances 1.52 1.50 1.44 1.45 1.44 1.43 1.43 1.43 MIXED SYSTEM 1.38 1.38 1.36 UNSUSTAINABLE

1.35 have survived changes in government and have been codified in 1.31 1.28 1.27 1.26 1.21 law and practice. However, more time may be needed to ensure 1.11 that change is enduring and that increased professionalism and the media business environment are sustainable.

Sustainable (3–4): Country has media that are considered 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 UNSUSTAINABLE ANTI-FREE PRESS generally professional, free, and sustainable, or to be approaching FREE PROFESSIONAL PLURALITY OF BUSINESS SUPPORTING SPEECH JOURNALISM NEWS SOURCES MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS these objectives. Systems supporting independent media have survived multiple governments, economic fluctuations, OBJECTIVES and changes in public opinion or social conventions.

Scores for all years may be found online at https://www.irex.org/msi n March 2018, Vladimir Putin predictably won the The New Times was fined RUB 22.25 million ($349,000, OVERALL presidential election, carrying 77 percent of the equivalent to the magazine’s annual budget, and the SCORE vote. However, after the government introduced highest fine ever imposed on a media outlet in Russia) an unpopular pension reform that increased the for not reporting funds received from a Russian NGO. retirement age from 55 to 60 years of age for The community of Russian media professionals is 1.49 women and from 60 to 65 for men, Putin’s ratings – fragmented and disenchanted given the state of affairs. as measured on a weekly basis by the All-Russian Public I Galina Arapova, director of the Center for Protection of Opinion Research Center – plunged. His ratings did not the Rights of Media, commented on 2018 media trends, Russia’s overall score dropped recover until the president added amendments to the noting, “The year brought new restrictions on the this year—from 1.72 in the 2018 measure – including a 10-year transition period when dissemination of information. Roskomnadzor’s efforts MSI edition to 1.49. This decrease the retirement age would be increased incrementally. to block the Telegram messenger app was probably is driven by factors including the Even with the changes, the reforms led to widespread the hallmark of the year. There were new waves of site country’s weakening economy, discontent, open public protests, and pro-Kremlin blockages, further restrictions on free speech online, sustained governmental candidates losing governorship elections in Vladimir, draft laws prosecuting fake news, and [draft laws on] pressure on and erosion of the Khabarovsk, Khakassia, and Primorie regions. media sector, violence against disrespect to authorities. But these developments came journalists, and the normalization The 2018 economic situation was bleak. Under as no surprise to the media community. Several years of propaganda. Almost all of international economic sanctions, the Russian economy ago the media community would have been outraged, Russia’s objective-level scores grew only 1.8 percent, and citizens’ income decreased. but now all these developments are seen as inevitable.”1 The ruble value declined nearly 20 percent against declined from the previous Russia does not meet the majority of the MSI indicators the U.S. dollar. Russian citizens are concerned with study, placing it solidly in MSI’s for sustainability. Authorities place no restrictions growing prices, declining income, a lack of jobs, and a “unsustainable mixed system” on entry to the media market or to the journalism deterioration of social protection services, according to classification. Objective 3 profession, but the unfavorable political and economic the independent Russian research group Levada-Center. (plurality of news) received situation has eroded the quality of Russian journalism Its December 2018 survey showed that 53 percent of the highest score (1.87), and proliferated state propaganda. The internet offers Russian citizens think that the current government reflecting varied news and citizens a variety of news sources that present a full officials should resign. Results of a similar survey in 2016 viewpoints available in the spectrum of viewpoints and public interests, but state indicated that 33 percent held that view. online environment; however, TV channels remain the most common and most trusted state television remains the State authorities control the majority of Russian sources of news. main source of news for the media, using it to promote government policy. The majority of the population. government has continued to pressure the few remaining independent media outlets. In 2018, several 1 Shabel’nikov, D., & P. Baigarova. “Галина Арапова, «Возникает неприятное ощущение, что ты постоянно media companies received record-breaking fines from бьешься головой об стену».” Legal Dialogue, November the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, 28, 2018. https://legal-dialogue.org/ru/galina-arapo- Information Technology, and Mass Media va-you-get-the-uncomfortable-feeling-of-trying-to-break-a-w (Roskomnadzor). For example, the online magazine all-with-your-head?fbclid=IwAR0dXixz49nMr77skIfi9N6J7Fk3S- mawZiWYJToUjqxuTa2-DJMEChdFpJ0.

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OBJECTIVE 1: instead of protecting journalists as a special profes- when they have a problem using the Telegram FREEDOM OF 1.44 sional group serving public interests. As a result, messenger [app]. And young people who grew up SPEECH we can lose the remaining freedom ensured by the in the period of economic stability—who did not current media law.”2 experience the economic hardships of the 1990s— Russia has legal norms that protect and promote This year saw several cases of Roskomnadzor care about free speech and freedom of expression.” free speech and access to public information, imposing excessive fines on independent media. Roskomnadzor manages both the licensing of but they are often ignored. Russian society does Media law amendments adopted in 2015 require the broadcast media and registration of print media. not value free speech or media independence, media to report all direct funding from international Registration — a simple and non-restrictive process and authorities see media as propaganda sources, including from supposed foreign agents. — is required for print publications with a print run instruments. The online magazine The New Times was fined RUB of more than 999 copies. Roskomnadzor has to 22.25 million ($349,000) for not reporting funds complete registration for print media within 30 days The constitution guarantees free speech; the received from the Fund in Support of Freedom of of application and only issues registration certif- universal right to obtain, produce, and disseminate the Press, a Russian NGO that authorities deemed icates electronically. According to the Glasnost information; and media freedom. Censorship to be a foreign agent. In another case, the online Defense Foundation, 2018 had no reported cases is prohibited. The Russian Mass Media Law of magazine 7x7 was fined RUB 800,000 ($12,500) in which Roskomnadzor denied registration to print 1991 protects journalists from censorship and after publishing an interview with a politician media. undue denial of access to information. However, that discussed the potential advantages of drug The transition to digital broadcasting, expected the government has recently adopted laws—on legalization. Roskomnadzor later decided the article to be completed in 2019, puts local and regional personal data protection, prohibiting insulting was drug-use propaganda. Both The New Times and TV stations at a disadvantage. Roskomnadzor has religious beliefs, protecting children from 7x7 are well known for their editorial independence granted digital broadcast licenses to 20 national objectionable information, and media operating and for publishing critical investigative materials and 72 regional TV channels (49 state-owned and as foreign agents — that limit free speech and put about high-ranking public executives. 23 private). Access to digital broadcasting for local pressure on independent media and bloggers. Overall, Russian society does not place TV channels is still under discussion, so their future Another new law on anti-extremism includes, but a high value on freedoms of speech or of the is unclear. is not limited to, prosecution for: derogation of media. According to the 2018 Levada-Center national dignity, Nazi propaganda, and promotion of survey, Russian people mostly are concerned with “We have the law, but it is not implemented. racial, national, religious, or social discord. increased prices (63 percent) and lower income In 2018, the Chamber of Commerce and and poverty (47 percent). Only five percent see Authorities view the state media as branch Industry of the Russian Federation initiated the restrictions of civic rights and freedoms as a offices of state press departments,” a adoption of a new media law. The law is supported problem.3 As one panelist commented, “Our society panelist commented. by the Russian Union of Journalists (RUJ), which is has never had an experience demonstrating the loyal to the government, as well as the State Duma, value of free speech. But . . . people are not happy Online media have the option of not registering the lower house of the Federal Assembly. Practicing when free speech is suppressed on social media, with Roskomnadzor, though this excludes them media lawyers cautioned that the proposed Law when a repost can lead to criminal prosecution, from protections offered to registered media on Media Communication might further reduce under Russia’s media law, for example access free speech. “This [law] is a warning sign, because to information. Additionally, staff members of 2 Ibid. no known media law experts are involved in unregistered online media are not recognized as 3 Levada-Center. “Наиболее тревожащие проблемы.” developing [it], Arapova said. “We can end up with Press release, April 24, 2018. https://www.levada. journalists and often are denied access to press a law that will regulate the media as a business ru/2018/04/24/naibolee-trevozhashhie-problemy-3/. conferences.

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Legal and social norms protect and promote the corresponding indicator (crimes against media in 2018. In the first case, Ilya Traber, a business- free speech and access to public information. professionals, citizen reporters, and media outlets person from Saint Petersburg, filed a complaint are prosecuted vigorously, but occurrences of such against the independent TV channel Dozhd for FREE-SPEECH INDICATORS crimes are rare) is one of the lowest for Objective airing a documentary in which Traber was called ▶▶Legal and social ▶▶Libel is a civil law issue; 1, with the majority of panelists saying that Russia “the only criminal leader whom Vladimir Putin protections of free public officials are held only minimally meets this indicator. has acknowledged.”4 The second case involved speech exist and to higher standards, are enforced. and offended parties The Committee to Protect Journalists’ 2018 Pavel Bolshakov, a reporter with the Chelaybinsk must prove falsity Global Impunity Index ranks Russia eleventh in newpaper Vozrozhdenie Urala, who was found guilty ▶▶Licensing of broadcast and malice. terms of the per-capita number of unsolved cases in a libel case launched by a member of the State media is fair, competitive, and apolitical. ▶▶Public information of journalist murders. According to the Glasnost Duma, Valeriy Gartung. Bolshakov’s article disclosed is easily accessible; Defense Foundation, one journalist was murdered that Gartung had connections with Chechen rebels ▶▶Market entry and tax right of access to structure for media are in 2018: Denis Suvorov, a TV reporter from Nizhny in 1994-1996 and was based on information that information is equally Novgorod. The police detained a suspect for the journalist heard at a secret meeting in 1997. fair and comparable enforced for all media to other industries. and journalists. Suvorov’s murder but claimed that the murder was Bolshakov was not able to present any documents not related to Suvorov’s professional work. in support of the published information.5 ▶▶Crimes against ▶▶Media outlets have journalists or media unrestricted access More than 50 cases of violent attacks against Russian citizens have the constitutional outlets are prosecuted to information; this is journalists were reported in 2018. In one example, right to seek and receive information, unless it is vigorously, but equally enforced for all Dmitry Polyanin, editor-in-chief of Oblastnaya legally recognized as state secret. The law gives occurrences of such media and journalists. crimes are rare. Gazeta, was attacked in front of his Ekaterinburg journalists preferential treatment regarding access ▶▶Entry into the residence. Polyanin thought the attack was linked to information: public officials must respond to ▶▶State or public media do journalism profession to his reports about corruption in the utilities sector, a journalist’s information request within seven not receive preferential is free, and government legal treatment, and imposes no licensing, but law enforcement authorities were reluctant to days but are allowed 30 days to respond to law guarantees editorial restrictions, or special investigate. They believed that Polyanin staged the citizens’ requests. In reality, the state regularly independence. rights for journalists. attack. limits information by denying journalists access to Russian media law protects editorial government meetings and press conferences. independence equally for state and private media. Authorities have detained journalists covering Once a media company is registered or However, state media outlets only represent the public protests. According to the Glasnost Defense licensed, its market entry and tax structure are government’s point of view and mostly ignore Foundation, 2018 had more than 340 cases in which similar to other industries. However, foreigners are the opposition. “We have the law, but it is not journalists were denied access to information, and not allowed to launch Russian media outlets or implemented. Authorities view the state media more than 120 cases in which officers detained to own more than 20 percent of a Russian media as branch offices of state press departments,” a reporters covering public demonstrations. For outlet’s shares. These laws considerably limit panelist commented. example, police detained Vladimir Guba, the editor Russian media’s ability to attract investment from Libel is a criminal law issue. An offender faces international groups. Russian media outlets also fines ranging from RUB 500,000 ($7,800) to RUB 5 have to report to Roskomnadzor foreign funds they million ($78,000) — more than a Russian’s average 4 Коммерсантъ. “По иску бизнесмена Трабера возбуждено уголовное дело о клевете в фильме receive, other than advertising and circulation sales. yearly salary — or 160 to 480 hours of public work. «Дождя».” January 16, 2018. https://www.kommersant.ru/ Crimes against journalists inside the country, Libel cases are rare because the plaintiff has to doc/3521724. while relatively rare, do not cause a public outcry prove intent. The Glasnost Defense Foundation 5 Челябинск. Журналист признан виновным в клевете and are not persecuted vigorously. The score for recorded only two libel cases against journalists и оштрафован. http://gdf.ru/digest/item/3/1577

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8 of Tomskaya Nedelya, who was reporting on an OBJECTIVE 2: of his media owners.” unauthorized public meeting against pension PROFESSIONAL 1.36 Other panelists shared that opinion. One reform. Later the court fined Guba RUB 12,000 JOURNALISM commented, “Media that reach many people don’t ($188) for participating in the meeting. The panelists provide fair and objective reporting. Federal state also reported cases in which regional legislatures According to a Mediastandart Foundation study, media carry propaganda and don’t represent (e.g., Ekaterinburg and Saint Petersburg) denied 60 percent of Russian citizens and 81 percent of views of all parties to a story. Journalists don’t journalists access to meetings where pension journalists think that Russian journalists are not make distinction between facts, opinions, and reform was being discussed. free to report unbiased news but rather work in interpretations. Often a reporter presents his own The government places no legal restrictions the interests of their bosses.6 According to Pavel interpretation of a fact and selects comments that on access to news sources. For example, Russian Gusev, editor-in-chief of Moskovsky Komsomolets support his point of view.” media openly acknowledge use of information from media, “A big part of Russian media gets some Some panelists are concerned that propaganda Telegram channels throughout 2018, even though sort of financial support from the state, either is now perceived as the norm and that journalists Telegram was officially blocked in April 2018. The directly or through affiliated businesses. This who engage in propaganda receive media awards. law does place some limitations on using news means that the content of such media is mostly According to a Mediastandart Foundation study, the sources. It prohibits the use of information released or fully controlled by government officials. And best-known Russian journalist is Vladimir Soloviev, by organizations that are considered “undesirable” such media talk to people, consumers of their who anchors a propagandized political show on TV – which included 15 organizations by the end information content, using the language of channel Russia-1. “It is scary that many journalists of 2018. Information published from NGOs and government executives”7 see people who produce propaganda as a profes- media considered foreign agents has to be labeled sional role models,” said one of the panelists. accordingly. Media outlets that do not comply with Prominent Russian journalist Vladimir Pozner The prevalence of propaganda makes ethical these rules can be blocked or fined. commented on the problems with professionalism, standards obsolete. “The atmosphere in media has Entry into the journalism profession has long “There is no journalism in Russia. There are just changed. It has gotten more aggressive, more brutal. been free, and this indicator received the highest a few [real] journalists. But there is no journalism In the past, kicking [out] an invited expert from a score under Objective 1. Hiring entry-level journalists profession. There is propaganda that works both political TV show was rare — now it is the norm. You is often driven by an owner’s economic interest: to ways—either in favor of authorities or against them. cannot find a program on any of the TV channels save money, owners hire people with little or no But in both cases, [the news] is not objective and where guests have not been ousted during the formal journalism education. At the same time, the does not try to be objective. A person tries either to show,” wrote journalist Nikolay Svanidze.9 government is starting to impose limitations on who prove his personal point of view or the point of view can occupy certain media positions. Since 2018, “It is scary that many journalists see people people who have served jail sentences or who have who produce propaganda as a professional received court sentences for extremism and other 6 Zadorin, I.V. et al. Образ журналиста в массовом сознании россиян. Moscow: Фонд медиастандарт, role models,” said one of the panelists. criminal acts involving the use of media and the Циркон, и Комитет гражданских инициатив, 2018. Internet are prohibited from being editors-in-chief in http://www.msindex.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ any media outlet. Obraz-zhurnalista-v-massovom-sozdanii-rossiyan_doklad. 8 Sul’kin, O. “Владимир Познер о цензуре, Сенцове, pdf. пенсиях и футболе.” Голос Америки, August 3, 2018. 7 Goliakov, A. “Павел Гусев: «Тенденция https://www.golos-ameriki.ru/a/vladimir-pozner-journal- огосударствления СМИ стала угрожающей».” Инвест- ism-censorship-/4512843.html. Форсайт, December 3, 2018. https://gipp.ru/overview/ 9 Svanidze, N. “2018: Итоги нашей работы: Мнения и obzory-sobytiy-v-media-srede/pavel-gusev-tendentsi- оценки.” Центр защити Прав СМИ, n.d. рhttp://mmdc. ya-ogosudarstvleniya-smi-stala-ugrozhayushchey/ ru/2018/.

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Still, some professional associations honor of negative financial consequences, and state media are below the average salary for the region (RUB ethical codes. In 1994, the Congress of Russian journalists are afraid to lose their jobs.” 26,000 [$407]).” Journalists adopted the Code of Russian Journalist Often important events and issues are covered Panelists agreed that existing pay levels do Professional Ethics, which is in line with international only by small independent media. For example, not support the quality of journalism and are not norms. As one panelist observed, “Following ethical major media did not report on public protests in sufficient to retain qualified personnel, especially in standards is a personal choice for each journalist. the Republic of Ingushetia in the North Caucasus. regional media. Media that have their own codes and enforce them The demonstrations were against the agreement A recent study on gender issues in Russian make up about five percent of the sector.” between Ingushetia and Chechnya on a new border, media, commissioned by Sweden’s Fojo Media The Alliance of Independent Regional involving a transfer of land from one jurisdiction to Institute and Russia’s ANRI-Media, found that Publishers (ANRI), an organization of media outlets another. women make up the majority of staff in the Russian that adhere to principles of fair journalism and Panelists expressed the belief that journalists media sector and that women are paid less than editorial independence, has adopted its own code of consistently avoid topics related to regional elites their male colleagues in equivalent positions. ethics. Media members that violate the code can be and economic development. The media offer no Declining revenues force media to cut staff as well expelled from ANRI. A few private media that follow proper coverage of social issues such as health care, as salaries and to increase the number of freelance their own professional codes make clear distinctions industrial development, business climate, education, journalists, who do not receive guaranteed income between news reporting and advertorials. or the quality of state administration. or social benefits. Young female journalists are Self-censorship has become an inextricable According to Russia.trud.com, a website that particularly likely to work freelance and accept low part of the journalism practice. In response to a monitors pay levels, the average salary offered to a salaries. reader’s question about the quality of Russian journalist in 2018 was about RUB 25,000 ($392) — journalism, Pozner wrote, “I understand that considerably less than the average salary in Russia Journalism meets professional under existing political conditions it is difficult to (about RUB 40,000–44,000 [$627 - $689]). Pay levels standards of quality. be a journalist. Nothing is prohibited openly, but differ hugely between print journalists and other there are many topics that are prohibited unoffi- media professionals, according to one panelist. PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM INDICATORS cially. Self-censorship is very strong. There is no “Journalists working in small municipal newspapers ▶▶Reporting is fair, ▶▶Entertainment censorship, but every journalist knows that it is in the provinces get RUB 10,000–15,000 ($157 - $235) objective, and programming does well sourced. not eclipse news better to not report on certain things because it is per month. Federal TV channels pay journalists RUB and information 10 dangerous.” 50,000–60,000 ($783 - $940) per month. Those who ▶▶Journalists follow programming. Other panelists confirmed the understood engage in propaganda are paid the most. Journalists recognized and accepted ethical standards. ▶▶Technical facilities restrictions. “Many journalists report only on neutral working in major cities make more than their and equipment for topics. Criticism of regional authorities is the most colleagues in the provinces. Provincial journalists ▶▶Journalists and editors gathering, producing, do not practice and distributing they dare to do,” one panel member said, while often have to work two to three jobs, which self-censorship. another commented, “Self-censorship results from negatively affects the quality of their work. Salaries news are modern and efficient. fear. Regional authorities react harshly to published on TV and radio are better than in print media,” the ▶▶Journalists cover key events and issues. criticism. The [private and public] media are afraid panelist said. ▶▶Quality niche reporting and programming The editor of a local newspaper from a small ▶▶Pay levels for journalists and other media exists (investigative, city in central Russia shared that “the average salary professionals are economics/business, 10 Познер Online. “Владимир Познер: «Нельзя in our newspaper is RUB 17,000 ($266). This is on sufficiently high to local, political). требовать от журналиста, чтобы он чем-то жертвовал discourage corruption. всерьез…».” October 23, 2018. https://pozneronline. the level of a regular pension. We often get requests ru/2018/10/23037/. from the tax inspector to explain why our pay levels

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Entertainment programming and channels information channels in the Telegram messenger Soloviev on Russia-1, Weekly News on Channel prevail because they are profitable and risk-free. app, which became a popular source of information One, and Week in Review on NTV.12 State channels air propaganda-laden information in 2017. Similar results came up in the study programs, especially political shows, and widely use commissioned by the Mediastandart Foundation. infotainment technologies. Even print media and When respondents were asked to identify three news agencies publish a substantial amount of news OBJECTIVE 3: news sources they trust most, 63 percent selected that is not related to public interest issues. PLURALITY 1.87 _ news programs on Russian state TV channels; 18 OF NEWS Facilities and equipment for gathering, percent, online media; 16 percent, newspaper; producing, and distributing news are adequately and 15 percent, social media.13 One panelist modern and efficient. The panelists said that overall, Online news sources allow citizens to access a commented on a downside to the ubiquity of the Russia considerably meets the corresponding plurality of news and viewpoints. However, the internet: “A multitude of viewpoints is available due indicator and gave it the highest score under use of multiple sources is limited by the current to online media that are difficult to control.” Objective 2. “To produce news for print and online media consumption model, with state TV as Since 2014, Roskomnadzor has had a legal media, you don’t need much equipment. In general, the main news source for the majority of the right to block websites that call for unauthorized media have no problems with equipment,” noted population. Russia meets four of Objective 3’s public meetings and publish other extremist one the of the panelists. At the same time, a decline indicators including plurality of news sources; information without a court order. The first sites in advertising and circulation revenue has forced unrestricted access to media; production of news that Roskomnadzor blocked include independent some print media to choose cheaper Internet by private media; and media coverage of local, Grani.ru, Kasparov.ru, and Ezhednevny Journal. subscriptions, use slow Internet connections, and national, and international issues. In 2018, Russia adopted a law that allows the work on outdated computers and other equipment. government to block websites that disseminate Quality niche reporting and programming, Russia has many news sources, but the majority of defamatory information, if a court has declared especially investigative journalism, are rare. “Regional media are owned by national, regional, and local information about a person or organization as media don’t have the financial means to allow a authorities and affiliated businesses. Television defamatory and the website has not removed it. journalist to spend two months to work on a quality continues to be Russians’ primary source of According to research by the agency Content investigative piece,” said 7x7 editor Pavel Andreev information. According to Levada-Center surveys, Review, Russia is among the top 10 countries with at the 2018 Summit of Independent Regional 85 percent of Russian citizens report getting news the cheapest mobile internet access.14 In 2018, 61 Publishers.11 In addition, investigative journalism from TV. Approximately 72 percent of consumers percent of citizens accessed the internet from a carries high political risks to media: authorities see get news from Channel One and 51 percent from the few that still produce investigative reports as the Russia-1. Citizens use Internet media sources for opposition. about 27 percent of news; social media, 21 percent; 12 Levada-Center. “Информационные источники.” Press release, April 18, 2018. https://www.levada.ru/2018/04/18/ radio, 15 percent; and newspapers, 13 percent. Still, some media outlets continue to produce informatsionnye-istochniki/. Television news also remains the most trusted investigate journalism. For example, in 2018, a 13 Zadorin, I.V. et al. Образ журналиста в массовом website run by a group of investigative journalists source of information. In the Levada-Center survey, сознании россиян. Moscow: Фонд медиастандарт, published material on authorities taking over 51 percent of people selected TV news as one Циркон, и Комитет гражданских инициатив, 2018. of three news sources they trust most. Internet http://www.msindex.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ media was selected by 19 percent of respondents; Obraz-zhurnalista-v-massovom-sozdanii-rossiyan_doklad. pdf. 11 ANRI. “XII саммит независимых social media, by 15 percent; and newspapers, by региональных издателей в Краснодаре.” ANRI. 14 Telecom Times. “Россия в топ-10 стран с дешёвым 9 percent. The most popular TV news programs org, April 28, 2018. https://anri.org.ru/2018/04/28/ мобильным интернетом.” News feed, January 3, 2019. xii-sammit-nezavisimyh-regionalnyh-izdatelej-v-krasnodare/. are the propaganda machine Evening with Vladimir https://telecomtimes.ru/2019/01/russia-desheviy-internet/.

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mobile device and, for the first time, exceeded purposes — as proof that Russia has public affiliated with national authorities. internet access from desktop computers (51 television,” one panelist noted. A Levada-Center Foreign investment in Russian media is percent). Many media outlets now have mobile survey indicated that OTR news programs are limited to 20 percent of a company’s shares. versions of their websites. To some extent, the watched by four percent of all citizens. Panelists denounced the 2014 introduction of this proliferation of mobile internet compensates for The majority of news agencies are either restriction as detrimental to Russian independent the disparities in access between urban and rural affiliated with, or owned by, national and regional media, as it limits their access to support from areas. But people in major cities still have access authorities. National news agencies — such as international groups. to more media, especially print, than people in state-owned ITAR-TASS and RIA Novosti and the Most Russian media fall short in representing smaller cities and rural areas. privately-owned Interfax — disseminate news, a spectrum of social interests. Only social media photos, and video to subscribers. These agencies cover such topics. “The media don’t pay much Private media have always been producing and the majority of regional news agencies attention to issues that really matter for an ordinary their own news. News in private media operate as online media. Small media outlets citizen,” one panelist observed. “Even independent is often more objective and informative produce their own reports and do not subscribe to media don’t really report any such issue. The news agencies. media still follow the Soviet tradition where compared to state media. But private media In small cities, the content provided by local journalists did not feel that they were serving also avoid reporting on certain topics, private newspapers and websites is often the only interests of their audiences.” especially if they are affiliated with some source of local news. “Private media have always been producing their own news. News in private Multiple news sources provide citizens business interests,” commented a panelist. media is often more objective and informative with reliable and objective news. Russians are also limited by lack of compared to state media. But private media also PLURALITY OF NEWS SOURCES INDICATORS knowledge of foreign languages. According to avoid reporting on certain topics, especially if ▶▶A plurality of affordable ▶▶Independent broadcast the Levada-Center, 86 percent of Russians do not they are affiliated with some business interests,” public and private media produce their know a second language,15 and only 1 percent commented a panelist. news sources (e.g., own news programs. of Russians read online news from international Media ownership is not fully transparent, and print, broadcast, ▶▶Transparency of media 16 Internet) exists. media in foreign languages. the government remains the majority owner of ownership allows State media serve state interests and do news media production. The national government ▶▶Citizens’ access consumers to judge not reflect the entire spectrum of views. Public has full ownership of All-Russia TV and Radio to domestic or objectivity of news; international media media ownership is Television of Russia (OTR), which receives most Company (VGTRK). VGTRK operates three national is not restricted. not concentrated in a of its funding from the national government, channels (general interest Russia-1, all-news few conglomerates. avoids political issues and focuses on social Russia-24, and culture and education channel ▶▶State or public media reflect the views of ▶▶A broad spectrum of and educational themes. “OTR produces good Russia-K) and four non-music radio stations (Radio the entire political social interests are programs, but they serve mostly decorative Rossii, Mayak, Radio Rossii Kultura, and Vesti spectrum, are reflected and represented FM). VGTRK also has a 38.9 percent share of TV nonpartisan, and serve in the media, including Channel One. the public interest. minority-language 15 Levada-Center. “‘Запад’: восприятие и information sources. стремление эмигрировать.” Press release, October National Media Group has a 25 percent ▶▶Independent news 13, 2015. https://www.levada.ru/2015/10/13/ share of TV Channel One and controls national TV agencies gather and ▶▶Broadcast ratings, zapad-vospriyatie-i-stremlenie-emigrirovat/. distribute news for print circulation figures, channels 5 and REN, as well as Izvestia and Metro and broadcast media. and Internet statistics 16 Levada-Center. “Информационные источники.” Press newspapers. Although the group is a private media are reliable. release, April 18, 2018. https://www.levada.ru/2018/04/18/ holding, and Russia’s largest, it is believed to be informatsionnye-istochniki/.

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According to the Guild of Interethnic country that is progressively getting poorer. Journalism website, Russia has more than 2,000 Independent media are well-managed Media outlets that have access to state money businesses, allowing editorial independence. registered minority-language media, including have more chances to survive. The media sector about 1,500 print media. Their principal focus is is dependent on state support, [and] the media BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INDICATORS preservation of minority culture and language. market is failing.” A third panel member said that ▶▶Media outlets and ▶▶Independent media Since 2017, the guild has organized annual media state media outlets do not operate as efficient supporting firms operate do not receive as efficient, professional, government subsidies. forums to discuss the state of these outlets. Media and self-sustaining enterprises, concluding that representatives at the forums have raised concerns and profit-generating “if the government stops funding them, they will businesses. ▶▶Market research is such as the need to secure state financial support have to close.” used to formulate and to provide journalism training for people who ▶▶Media receive revenue strategic plans, from a multitude enhance advertising write proficiently in minority languages. Channel One, the second-most popular national of sources. revenue, and tailor TV channel, is not able to operate without state products to the Traditionally, national media focus on national ▶▶Advertising agencies and and international news, while regional outlets report funding, despite the growth of the TV advertising needs and interests related industries support of audiences. on regional news and local outlets on local news. market. The channel fell into debt when state an advertising market. National media only report regional and local news subsidies were cut substantially for 2018. ▶▶Broadcast ratings ▶▶Advertising revenue as and circulation if something exceptional happens — usually major Reportedly, it needed an estimated RUB 6.5 billion a percentage of total figures are reliably natural disasters or man-made emergencies. Russia ($102 million) to balance its budget but received revenue is in line with and independently only RUB 3.5 billion ($55 million) in 2018. In 2017, accepted standards at produced. has very few independent regional and local media, commercial outlets. so the majority of Russian citizens have no access the channel had received RUB 8 billion ($125 to independent information on situations in their million) in subsidies. At the end of 2018, Ostankino hometowns and regions. Television Technical Center, which provides the Print media experience negative effects from production premises and transmits the signal the redistribution of advertising revenues in favor of Channel One, sued the channel to recover its of internet and TV and from declining newsstand OBJECTIVE 4: debts. The channel and its contractors reportedly and subscription sales. In 2018, the Federal Agency BUSINESS 1.11 owe Ostankino about RUB 1 billion ($15.7 million).17 for Press and Mass Communications (Rospechat) MANAGEMENT Declining revenues have forced independent issued a report on the state of Russian press. Its media to reduce budgets and the number of figures showed that in 2017, Russian print media Slow economic growth, declining citizen income, people on staff. “We cut our expenses from RUB lost four to five percent of newsstand sales and a shrinking advertising market for print 14 million ($219,000) to RUB 8 million ($125,000). revenue, five percent of circulation sales revenue, media continue to undermine the viability of To do so, we had to cut the number of staff to five and eight percent of advertising revenue. media as an industry. One panelist described the people. Now we only have on staff elderly people One panelist, an editor for a Ural-region local market conditions by observing, “For about two who are already getting retirement benefits and newspaper, described print media’s numerous years already, media stopped being business. young inexperienced journalists,” shared a panelist, financial woes: “The past year severely hit [print The market is heavily distorted. Advertising an editor-in-chief of a small, independent local publications in] small markets in cities with less money is scarce and monopolized. Political newspaper. than 60,000 residents. All readers went online, and legal risks of running a media business even pensioners. Our newspaper’s circulation are enormous. Access to foreign investment 17 Afanas’eva, A. “«Первому» подали телесигнал.” dropped. National retail networks squeezed out is restricted.” Another panelist also lamented Коммерсант, December 25, 2018. https://www. local businesses that we depend on as our main the financial stresses by stating, “We live in a kommersant.ru/doc/3842250.

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advertisers and sales points for the newspaper. TV has been growing (22 percent and 12 percent the end of 2018. State media are allowed to sell We are on the edge of survival. In small cities, respectively), newspapers have lost 12 percent of advertising and often offer advertisements at a low media is not a business anymore but rather a their advertising revenue. The regional advertising price that private media outlets cannot. social information service for residents. Still, market made up only about one-tenth of the total In 2018, the federal budget allocated RUB we plan to continue with the hard copy of the market (about 34 billion rubles [$533 million]) in 82.9 billion ($1.3 billion) for the support of Russian newspaper because there is no advertising the first nine months of 2018. media. This included RUB 19.9 billion ($312 million) money for an online version yet. And we don’t The advertising sales market is highly for VGTRK, RUB 1.5 billion ($23.5 million) for OTR, have staff members who understand the rules monopolized. The National Advertising Alliance (an RUB 6.8 billion ($106.5 million) for the Russia Today of online media operation. We receive advice to advertising agency established by Channel One), news agency, and RUB 2.2 billion ($34.5 million) start side businesses like private day care, online VGTRK, National Media Group, and Gazprom- for the ITAR-TASS news agency. The 2019 budget marketplaces, and print shops. This is ridiculous! Media sold 95 percent of Russian TV advertising allocates RUB 75.6 billion (1.2 billion) to media What’s the point in funding a newspaper with in 2016. Major advertising agencies ignore small subsidies.20 About RUB 550 million ($8.6 million) revenue from a laundry shop?” regional media, so these outlets have to sell was distributed as grants to newspapers. To compensate for declining advertising advertising themselves. “Advertising agencies Regional and local authorities subsidize revenue, media companies look for other sources stopped working with us,” shared a panelist, an regional and local media and contract media to of income. Some, including the online versions editor in a local independent newspaper. “They provide the so-called “information services” that of newspaper RBC and Delovoy Petersburg, are replaced by public relations agencies that translate into favorable coverage. For example, use a paywall. The national newspaper offer us money — for example, to publish negative the VGTRK branch in Bashkiria entered into a Vedomosti and the regional magazine Expert- information about Grudinin [the Communist party contract for RUB 34.65 million ($543,000) with Yug organize thematic conferences. Some try to presidential candidate in March 2018 elections].” the Bashkiria government to “maintain a positive use crowdfunding. For example, Novoya Gazeta Major advertisers in Russia are international image” of regional authorities. Overall, Bashkiria launched a crowdfunding campaign in September fast-moving consumer goods companies. government subsidies and contracts with media 2018, Mediazona raised RUB 1 million ($15,665) from According to the AdIndex agency, the top five exceeded RUB 160 million ($2.5 million).21 In 2018, its audience, and The New Times managed to raise Russian advertisers were international: PepsiCo, the Kaliningrad regional legislature spent RUB 5.6 RUB 25 million ($391,625) to pay a fine through Nestlé, Procter & Gamble, the national mobile million ($88,000) to commission media materials crowdfunding in four days.18 provider MTS, and the national pharmaceutical regarding its actions. The regional government According to the Association of Russian company OTCPharm.19 planned to spend RUB 42.9 million ($672,000) Communication Agencies, in the first nine months The amount of advertising in Russian media on media, including RUB 30 million ($470,000) of 2018 the Russian advertising market grew by is limited by law: advertising cannot exceed 15 for coverage of government activities. The media 13 percent and total expenditure on advertising percent of air time on TV, 20 percent of air time on budget for the city of Kaliningrad was RUB 19.5 reached about RUB 323 billion ($5.6 billion) radio, and 45 percent of space in non-advertising without VAT. For the first time in Russian history, print media. As a result, news and information online advertising (141 billion rubles [$2.2 billion]) content does not get lost at the expense of 20 Вести экономики. “Бюджетное финансирование exceeded TV advertising (130 billion rubles [$2 advertising. In 2018, the law was amended to СМИ в России сократится в ближайшие три года.” billion]). While advertising revenue for online and allow beer advertisements on TV, starting during November 21, 2018. https://www.vestifinance.ru/ the 2018 FIFA World Cup and continuing through articles/110536. 21 Samoilova, I. “Господдержка СМИ из бюджета 18 Golubeva, A. “Медиа-2018: тренды.” Солта, Башкирии в первом полугодии составила 70 млн December 28, 2018. https://www.colta.ru/articles/ 19 “Рекламные бюджеты в 2017 году.” Adindex.ru, n.d. рублей.” Коммерсант, October 9, 2018. https://www. media/19900-itogi-2018-media-trendy. https://adindex.ru/rating3/marketing/167049/index.phtml. kommersant.ru/doc/3765089.

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22 million ($305,000). Government subsidies and weekends and holidays and, in many cases, live within the framework of its educational program. The information contracts go mostly to state and during the summer months). Measuring how 2018 GIPP conference was devoted to the theme loyal media, leading to the subversion of editorial people view TV online has added up to a 30 of “state, problems, and prospects of the Russian independence and distorting the market. percent broadcast rating, and measuring people periodicals market.” Rospechat provided financial watching TV in dachas has increased ratings by up backing for this conference as well. 23 “We live in a country that is progressively to 20 percent. Still, media measurements cover ANRI brings together media outlets that getting poorer. Media outlets that have only cities with a population of more than 100,000 uphold journalism standards and endeavor to people, rendering small media markets invisible to preserve editorial independence. ANRI also access to state money have more chances advertisers. organizes conferences, provides training services to survive. The media sector is dependent The media sector has no reliable information to its members, and engages in lobbying. For on state support, [and] the media market is about print circulation. example, in 2017 ANRI supported the organization of the international Summit of Independent failing.” Regional Publishers and conducted a series of OBJECTIVE 5: webinars on the legal aspects of media operation. Only major media outlets have marketing SUPPORTING 1.67 However, under conditions of growing state INSTITUTIONS plans and commission market research. Small control over media, these associations have media outlets do not have marketing budgets. very limited actual power to advance media Marketing is seen as a functional responsibility Institutions that support the professional interests interests. In addition, trade associations have to of editors, and they either conduct research of independent media have existed for a long time rely on state grants to organize their major events. themselves or forego it. “I know that we should do but are not sufficient. “Trade associations have no real influence on the [market] research, and I know how to do it, but situation,” commented one of the panelists. we don’t have money for this now,” said one of the The National Association of TV and Radio Membership in these associations is also panelists, an editor of a small local newspaper. Broadcasters (NAT) and the Union of Press declining. GIPP membership dropped from 272 Since 2017, Roskomnadzor has selected a Publishers (GIPP) were established in the 1990s as members in 2017 to 128 members at the end of single company to measure broadcast ratings. general Russian trade associations for media. Both 2018. ANRI membership fell from 67 members in Mediascope (formerly Mediascope/TNS, part of associations cooperate with international trade 2017 to 62 members in 2018. TNS Gallup Media) was granted a three-year media associations; conduct trade fairs; publish industrial RUJ does not protect journalists’ rights or measurement contract, with the share of foreign magazines; provide analytical, information, and promote quality journalism. “Like any institution ownership in the company not to exceed 20 training services to their members; and try to lobby in a sham democracy, the Russian Union of percent. Mediascope has committed to improving the Russian government to advance members’ Journalists is an imitation,” one panelist noted, the quality of the data it produces. It has started interests. For example, the 2018 Natexpo (NAT’s “Instead of protecting journalists’ rights, it measuring TV viewership on desktop computers annual international congress), conducted with the conducts festivals, media forums, and workshops, and mobile devices, as well as in dachas (country financial support of Rospechat, was devoted to or can arrange discounts for its members to go to houses where residents of Russian cities spend the topic “digital technologies in media.” NAT also resorts for rest and medical treatment.” conducted three workshops for media managers After the 2017 elections, RUJ increased its 22 Nevar, V. “Почем лояльность: СМИ региона получат affiliation with state authorities and has become от властей 70 млн рублей.” Новый Калининград, one of the channels for distributing state funds December 13, 2017. https://www.newkaliningrad.ru/news/ 23 Golubeva, A. “Медиа-2018: тренды.” Солта, politics/16282696-pochem-loyalnost-smi-regiona-poluchat- December 28, 2018. https://www.colta.ru/articles/ to media. In 2018, RUJ initiatives also included ot-vlastey-70-mln-rubley.html. media/19900-itogi-2018-media-trendy. adopting the law that protects Russian journalists

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working in war zones outside of the country as represented media in 85 court cases, and saved Journalism degree programs are offered in well as establishing an honorary title, “Journalist media outlets from paying RUB 23.5 million about 160 Russian schools of higher education Emeritus of Russia,” awarded by federal authorities. ($368,000) in damages. and graduate about 30,000 journalism students At the end of 2018, the title was awarded to its first Russia also has several newer NGOs that per year.25 But the quality of these programs 15 media professionals. provide support to media. In 2014, the All-Russia varies. Journalism schools of major universities According to the panelists, it is worth People’s Front launched its Center for the Legal (e.g., Moscow State University, St. Petersburg noting that Russian journalists do not feel much Support of Journalists. The Mediastandart University, and the Higher School of Economics) professional solidarity. Sixty percent of journalists Foundation was also launched in 2014 by the Civic provide students with high-quality instruction who participated in research commissioned by the Initiatives Committee. Mediastandart conducts and substantial practical experience, unlike many Mediastandart Foundation held the belief that only research of the media sector, including the media journalism programs in regional cities. “Journalism specific groups of journalists and media outlets development index for Russian regions, and runs students from the nearby cities stopped coming to can have common interests and goals and that this workshops for regional journalists. For example, in do internships with us,” shared a panelist, an editor does not include the journalism community as a 2018 the foundation launched an online course on of a small newspaper in Central Russia. whole.24 standards for reporting and fact checking. However, media professionals have stated A small group of NGOs working to support that graduates of regional journalism schools free speech and media freedom was established often fall short. “[They] don’t know even the basic in the 1990s, when Russia opened its doors to Supporting institutions function in the things,” said Vladimir Soloviev, chair of the Russian democracy. This group includes the Glasnost professional interests of independent media. Union of Journalists, at the 2018 media forum in Defense Foundation, which monitors violations Voronezh.26 Elena Vartanova, dean of the Moscow SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS INDICATORS: of media rights and runs educational programs; University School of Journalism, lamented in one the Mass Media Defence Centre, which provides ▶▶Trade associations ▶▶Quality journalism of her interviews that these graduates often “don’t represent the interests degree programs free legal advice and support to media; and of private media that provide speak Russian properly, mispronounce words, and the Press Development Institute–Siberia, which owners and provide substantial practical stress the wrong syllables.”27 recently focused on promoting civic investigative member services. experience exist. Less qualified journalism graduates are ready journalism. ▶▶Professional ▶▶Printing facilities to accept low pay, and this distorts the job market. All three of these NGOs have been labeled associations are in private Media outlets in Moscow and St. Petersburg foreign agents. This means they have increased work to protect hands, apolitical, often prefer to hire cheaper graduates of regional journalists’ rights. and unrestricted. administrative burdens with which they must comply, in addition to the standard high reporting ▶▶Short-term training ▶▶Channels of media 25 Nikitushin, A. “Долой гастарбатизацию and in-service distribution (kiosks, медиа!” ГИПП, November 19, 2018. https://gipp. requirements. Still, these NGOs continue their training programs transmitters, Internet) ru/overview/obzory-sobytiy-v-media-srede/ operations. For example, in 2018 the Mass Media allow journalists to are private, apolitical, doloy-gastarbatizatsiyu-media/. Defence Centre provided more than 3,800 upgrade skills or and unrestricted. 26 Polukhina, E. “«Шоу должного уровня все равно legal consultations to members of the media, acquire new skills. ▶▶Information and не получится». Как выжить региональным СМИ.” РИА ▶▶Sources of newsprint communication Воронеж, July 15, 2018. https://gipp.ru/overview/obzory- NGOs support technology­ infra- 24 Zadorin, I.V. et al. Образ журналиста в массовом sobytiy-v-media-srede/-171-shou-dolzhnogo-urovnya-vse- free speech and structure sufficiently ravno-ne-poluchitsya-187-kak-vyzhit-regionalnym-smi/. сознании россиян. Moscow: Фонд медиастандарт, independent media. meets the needs of Циркон, и Комитет гражданских инициатив, 2018. media and citizens. 27 Nikitushin, A. “Долой гастарбатизацию http://www.msindex.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ медиа!” ГИПП, November 19, 2018. https://gipp. Obraz-zhurnalista-v-massovom-sozdanii-rossiyan_doklad. ru/overview/obzory-sobytiy-v-media-srede/ pdf. doloy-gastarbatizatsiyu-media/.

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journalism programs to save money. Television foremost barriers to distribution of the print media. channel per region and one local TV channel per channels in economically better positions than In 2004, Russia had 42,000 press kiosks, while in city. In most cases, the preference is given to state- print media are able to offer larger salaries and 2018, only 16,500 remained. In the course of 2016 affiliated TV channels. Independent TV channels hire more qualified graduates. According to alone, the number of kiosks dropped by 6,000 — must go to cable networks, where they have to pay Vartanova, only 10 to 15 percent of journalism leading to a 15 percent decrease in newsstand for digital distribution. 29 school graduates get jobs in print media. The sales in 2017. Supermarkets see print as low- Overall, the information and communications majority go to work in TV, including terrestrial, margin goods and therefore limit the number of technology (ICT) infrastructure meets the needs of 28 cable, and online channels. titles on sale and refuse to sell local newspapers. the media industry and citizens. Ninety-eight percent Media associations, NGOs, and universities In addition, supermarket networks regularly delay of consumers have access to digital TV. Most of offer numerous short-term training opportunities. their payments to media outlets by 90 to 120 days. the population has access to mobile networks and But most of them require payment, so media Subscription rates fell from 217 subscriptions mobile internet. However, the quality of infrastructure outlets facing declining revenues cannot afford to per 1,000 citizens in 2014 to 113 in 2017 — and is disparate: residents of bigger cities enjoy better 30 have staff participate. continued to fall in 2018. Local independent ICT infrastructure while people in rural areas still media often establish their own distribution occasionally face electricity cutoffs and unstable “Like any institution in a sham democracy, systems to deliver subscriptions, so they can mobile and internet connections. People from the Russian Union of Journalists is an maintain circulation revenue. At the 2018 media small and large towns and cities also access ICT imitation,” one panelist noted, “Instead of forum in Voronezh, Indira Kodzasova, editor of differently: in small cities and rural areas, 44 percent the Argumenty & Facty newspaper, said that part of users access the internet from one device; while protecting journalists’ rights, it conducts of the problem is that “people don’t consider a in large cities, the majority of people use two or festivals, media forums, and workshops, or newspaper to be an indispensable product” and more devices. stop subscribing and buying newspapers as their can arrange discounts for its members to go incomes fall.31 to resorts for rest and medical treatment.” The transition to a digital TV distribution List of Panelists model has independent regional and local TV Sources of media equipment, newsprint, channels on the brink of extinction. The state plans Due to laws restricting NGO activity and contacts with and printing facilities are apolitical, are not to support free digital distribution for 20 national U.S.-based NGOs, the participants in the Russia study monopolized, and are not restricted. Still, channels countrywide as well as one regional TV will remain anonymous. This chapter was developed continuing hikes in newsprint prices undermines by a Russian journalist in December 2018 after a series the economic sustainability of print media. In 2018, of structured interviews with colleagues in the media newsprint prices increased by 15 percent, and the 29 Moiseev, S. “До тебя мне дойти нелегко. О sector. total newsprint price increase since 2014 is more кризисе распространения печатных СМИ в России.” Журналист, July 8, 2018. https://gipp. than 50 percent. This trend is due to the shortage ru/overview/obzory-sobytiy-v-media-srede/ of newsprint in the national market: Russian do-tebya-mne-doyti-nelegko-o-krizise-rasprostraneniya- newsprint producers prefer to sell abroad, where pechatnykh-smi-v-rossii/. prices are at least 25 percent higher. 30 Ibid. Declining numbers of press kiosks and 31 Polukhina, E. “«Шоу должного уровня все равно growing subscription delivery costs remain the не получится». Как выжить региональным СМИ.” РИА Воронеж, July 15, 2018. https://gipp.ru/overview/obzory- sobytiy-v-media-srede/-171-shou-dolzhnogo-urovnya-vse- 28 Ibid. ravno-ne-poluchitsya-187-kak-vyzhit-regionalnym-smi/.

14 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019