Progress or Regress in Russian Mass Media?

Abstract

This paper reviews and evaluates the development of Russian media under Putin's government. Contrary to president Putin's early emphasis on the freedom of media for Russian democracy, Putin regime's policy toward the mass media was advanced in the context of cracking down on private media industry. He has re-nationalized many influential mass media, especially nation-wide TV channels. As a result, Russian mass media had degraded as a tool of political propaganda and lost people's confidence. Today, comparing Soviet times, tight control is not needed at every link in the chain of command. Rather, there is a good understanding of the “line” throughout the news organizations. After a brief period of plurality, the Russian mass media are still wandering over as a tool for the power elites. In this context, the opportunity for the Russian mass media to contribute to civil society as well as democracy is weak for the time being.