Russia tightens controls on foreign media ownership to stifle dissent
President signs law curtailing foreign ownership of outlets in a move seen as stifling dissent
PUBLISHED : Thursday, 16 October, 2014, 11:05pm
UPDATED : Thursday, 16 October, 2014, 11:05pm
The Washington Post
The bill which was quietly signed into law on Wednesday limits foreign ownership of media assets to 20 per cent by the beginning of 2017. Russian politicians have developed a mania of control over Vedomosti.
In a move that will significantly constrict Russia's fast-shrinking space for independent reporting, President Vladimir Putin has signed into law a measure that will curtail foreign ownership of media outlets in the country.
The decision extends the Kremlin's control over some of Russia's most prominent independent publications, a few of which have published news critical of Putin and his allies at a time when tensions between Russia and the West are at their highest since the cold war.
Wednesday's move comes as the powerful state-run media has laboured round-the-clock to glorify Putin and denigrate groups perceived to be the nation's enemies. Leaders of those outlets, and the sources of news for the vast majority of Russians, are unapologetic and open about their efforts as propagandists, a term they use to describe themselves.
Even though Putin long ago consolidated control over television and many print outlets, there were independent options for a few Russians who sought alternative voices, and the internet was particularly unregulated. But over the past year, news sources have been blocked, closed or editorially redirected.
The bill which was quietly signed into law on Wednesday limits foreign ownership of media assets to 20 per cent by the beginning of 2017.
"We understand very well that those who own information own the world," legislator Vadim Dengin, the author of the bill, said during a parliamentary debate before the law was approved.
"When foreigners come here to make money and then actively influence the media market and use it for their own benefit, at this moment, I want to say that I am ready to close down Russia and ensure its security."
The law deals the sharpest blow to Russia's most prominent independent daily newspaper, Vedomosti. The newspaper, which is co-owned by Dow Jones, the Financial Times Group and Finnish media company Sanoma, focuses on the sensive topic of business reporting.
"Our politicians have developed a mania of control," said Tatiana Lysova, Vedomosti editor in chief. "We do not report to the Russian authorities, so that is why we are a potential danger in their mind, a potential enemy."
Even many glossy media outlets in Russia are owned either by foreigners or by Russians through foreign holding companies. The new regulations will affect many of these outlets, from the Disney Channel to Russia's version of Cosmopolitan.
At a time when the government is cutting social spending, funding for state media is going up. The international arm of Russia's state-run news network, RT, is getting a 30 per cent funding bump in the proposed budget for next year, and other state news outlets also are receiving substantial injections of cash.
