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31.08.2009 How the News is Reported in Russia July-Aug, 2009 by Andrei Nesterov The two largest state-run television stations in Russia are First Channel and Russia Channel. Most Russians get their news from one of these two stations. SRAS's Andrei Nesterov compiled the following synopsis of how major events were covered by news reports on these two stations. This news review is part of SRAS's monthly "obzor" publications. For more reviews, see the newsletter for this corresponding month. If you would like to request that a story occurring in June be covered here, inform our editor. To receive the free monthly newsletter and obzori by email, simply sign up.     Death of Poet Sergey Mikhalkov On August 27 Sergey Mikhalkov, a famous poet, the author of the hymn of Russia and the hymn of the former Soviet Union, died in Moscow. Sergey Mikhalkov is perhaps best known for his children's stories such as "Uncle Styopa" and his poems for children. First Channel stated that Sergey Mikhalkov had become "a classic of literature" even during his lifetime, and broadcast the statements of famous Russian actors and film directors praising the great contribution made by the deceased poet to Russia's national culture. Russia Channel quoted Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill as writing in his letter of condolence that Sergey Mikhalkov was an outstanding poet and public figure who was genuinely loved by the people. The national TV channels also reported that Russian leaders including President Dmitry Medvedev and leader of the United Russia Party Boris Gryzlov sent letters of condolence to the relatives of Sergey Mikhalkov, which includes his two sons, Oscar-winning film director Nikita Mikhalkov and Andrei Konchalovsky, also a film director. Ren TV in its report praised the work done by Sergey Mikhalkov on TV as founder and director of Fitil (Fuse), a satiric program founded in 1962 which highlighted social problems, but also stated that Mikhalkov put his talent to the service of Communism, by aiding efforts to discredit dissidents and in particular mocking the author of Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak. However, Ren-TV tried to excuse this by quoting Mikhalkov’s statement that it "is possible to coexist with the regime only if you abide by the regime’s laws."   Death of Edward Kennedy All the major Russian stations carried news of the death of US Senator Edward Kennedy. Reports on First Channel and Russia Channel were essentially the same as the reports that appeared on the American station CNN International, even using much of the same stock photos and footage of the senator's life.  Reports described his relationship with his brothers, John and Robert, his entry to politics and presidential aspirations, the auto accident that resulted in the death of a campaign worker, and his return to politics and later accomplishments in the senate. Both stations also called it an "end of an era" in American politics.    Medvedev Takes On Alcohol Consumption On August 12, President Dmitry Medvedev held a meeting with his Minister of Health dedicated to reducing alcohol consumption in Russia. The national TV channels quoted the President as saying that alcoholism in Russia “has taken on the proportions of a national disaster.” He stated that he felt measures such stronger enforcement of laws banning alcohol sales to minors, toughening regulation of the production and sale of beer and low-alcohol beverages, and sponsoring a public advertising campaign in the mass media and schools aimed at preventing alcohol consumption among young people. On the same day, Russia Channel reported that the Federation Council of the Russian Parliament had proposed a national anti-alcoholism policy which includes a complete ban on advertising beer on TV, requiring labeling of alcoholic beverages to contain information on the amount of alcohol in the beverage, fining stores that sell alcohol to children and teenagers, pregnant women and alcoholics. Earlier, in July, First Channel quoted Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as saying at a meeting with the leaders of the Federation Council that the situation in Russia, where beer is cheaper than bottled water, is “abnormal.” Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin said that it is more important to advocate for healthy lifestyle than to make exorbitant price increases for alcohol. In August, Russia Channel offered a series of reports on the success of curbing alcoholism in some parts of rural Russia. For example, Russia Channel reported that 200 residents of a village in the Novosibirsk region were receiving free treatment for alcoholism under an initiative begun by a deputy in the regional parliament. Another report spoke of a ban on alcohol in a Buryatia village having significantly improved the living standards of the villagers. In addition, Russia Channel reported that speaker of Federation Council Sergey Mironov proposed to ban scenes of alcohol consumption in movies, while the senators came forward with the suggestion to require IDs from young people buying alcohol.   Accident at Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Station On August 17, Russian TV reported about the accident at Sayano-Shushenskay Hydroelectric station, the largest hydropower plant in Russia. First Channel reported that unknown causes had caused a wall and the roof of one of the control rooms to collapse, killing seven people. Three days later, on August 21, First Channel stated that the death toll had reached twenty-two, while fifty-three people were missing. According to First Channel, 2,000 specialists are doing works on "liquidating the consequences of the collapse of the control room." First Channel did not name the causes of the accident, but quoted Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as saying that “The recent tragic events at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant have made it perfectly obvious how much we still have to do to increase the reliability of technical structures in general, and hydro-technical facilities in particular.” First Channel was very brief in its reports on the accident and mainly reported about the number of victims and about the visits of the high-ranking state officials to the hydroelectric station. Russia Channel provided more details, saying that “the control room is completely destroyed” and “restoring the hydroelectric plant will take several years, experts say.” Russia Channel quoted the Ministry of Power Energy as saying that forty billion rubles ($1.26 billion dollars) would be needed to repair the station. Russia Channel also reported that the spills of oil ejected into the Yenisei River after the accident, had been successfully cleaned up by using fifty tons of absorbents on twenty square kilometers of the river. Russia Channel quoted the governor of Krasnoyarsk region Aleksandr Khloponin as saying that the oil spills in the Yenisei would not deteriorate the quality of the drinking water in the nearby cities because the water intake stations take water at the depth of 24-100 meters while only the surface of the Yenisei was contaminated. In addition, Russian Minister of Natural Resources Yuri Trutnev said to the media that there are no grounds to speak about ecological disaster for plant. However, on August 20 Ministry of Emergency Situation of Khakasia issues a statement in which it said that drinking the water from the Yenisei or allowing stock animals to drink this water was "not recommend."   Russia Channel quoted Minister of Power Energy Sergei Shmatko as saying that the ministry “does not understand” why the 700 ton lid of the turbine was torn away, causing the accident, and the experts should investigate this.   Arctic Sea Hijacked, Freed On August 18, First Channel reported that the Russian Navy frigate Ladny had liberated the crew of the hijacked cargo ship, called "Arctic Sea," "without a single shot" at Cape Verde off the western coast of Africa. Before that, Russian TV did not provide information on location of the missing ship. First Channel stated on August 20 that the police knew about the ship location, but did not release the information "so as not to endanger the lives of the imprisoned crew of the cargo ship." After the hijackers were brought to Moscow and interrogated by the police, First Channel provided a few details of the hijacking. They reported that on July 24, the ship was boarded in Swedish territorial waters by eight men in black clothes bearing the word "police." The hijackers – four Estonian citizens, two Lativan citizens and two Russian citizens - threatened the crew with weapons and requested a $1.5 million ransom from the ship’s insurance company, threatening to kill the crew and blow up the ship if the demands were not met. First Channel quoted Russia’s envoy in NATO Dmitry Rogozin as saying that after the situation with hijacking the Arctic Sea ship, Russia and NATO should take joint measures on fighting piracy worldwide.   One-Year Anniversary of the War in South Ossetia At the first week of August, Russian TV issued many reports dedicated to the one year anniversary of the war in South Ossetia. On August 8 First Channel reported that President Dmitry Medvedev arrived in North Ossetia to visit the military regiment deployed which had “protected the peaceful residents of South Ossetia from the aggression of Georgia.” First Channel quoted the Russian President as saying that “the goal which Tbilisi officially set itself was extremely cynical: the destruction or, even better, the expulsion of the people of South Ossetia from their native land.” Dmitry Medvedev said that  “exactly one year ago a barbaric aggression against the citizens of South Ossetia and Russian peacekeepers took place: the city Tskhinval was shot at, civilians were killed, thousands of people were victims of a humanitarian disaster.” Russian TV also reported that President Medvedev had sent a thank-you letter to French President Nicolas Sarkozy writing that “the help of Paris in stopping the war started by (Georgian President) Mikhail Saakashvili was efficient.” The commemoration events included prayer services in Russian churches. In the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill held service for the people killed in South Ossetia was conducted by. First Channel quoted the Patriarch as saying during the prayer service that everybody: ordinary people, clergymen and politicians should learn a lesson and “accept the obligation to never attack one another, but solve disputes peacefully.” According to First Channel, activists of pro-government youth movements such as Young Guard, Nashi, Young Russia and others were among those who attended the service in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. They were shown lighting thousands of candles in the night for those killed during the war. Russia Channel quoted President Dmitry Medvedev during a visit to Abkhazia, which was also affected by the 5-Day War, as saying at a public meeting that Russia would never reverse its decision on recognizing South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. “There will be no going back on our decisions. We have made our choice. We took our stand last August, and the only direction now is forward.” The president of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity said in a Russia Channel interview that “in order to restore mutual trust between our peoples, (Georgia) should recognize the Republic of South Ossetia and the Republic of Abkhazia.” Russian TV broadcast many interviews with the South Ossetians who had witnessed the attacks and whose houses and property were destroyed. Also, Russian viewers could see several documentaries about the 5-Day War on nearly all channels. Additionally, on August 8 the anniversary of the war, First Channel replayed a feature movie called Olympus Inferno – a fictional story about an American student and Russian girl who eye-witnessed Georgian forces attacking South Ossetia.   WWII Conflict Lives on in Russia and Japan When Japan's parliament passed a law proclaiming Japan's sovereignty over the South Kuril Islands on July 3, First Channel reported that the law was "scandalous." The channel explained that Japan argues that agreements signed in the mid 19th century, which gave Japan ownership of the island, should be upheld. However, the report continued, Russia holds that the islands were "given" to the Soviet Union after the World War II, and belong to Russia "without any doubt." Russia Channel quoted a spokesman from the Russian Foreign Ministry as saying that the Ministry regrets that Russia's opinion "was ignored," and "such actions of Japan will not affect Russian-Japanese relations in a positive way." Russia Channel also questioned if Russia should continue its dialogue with Japan on the issue of the Kurils, considering the "assertiveness" of Japan. Russia Channel reported that deputies from Russia's parliament made a number of tough statements on the issue of the Kurils. The State Duma discussed the possibility of passing a law which would stipulate that Russia agrees to discuss signing peace treaty with Japan only if Japan formally ends its claims to the islands. The upper chamber of the Russian Parliament, the Federation Council, suggested canceling the visa-free regime for Japanese citizens traveling to the South Kuriles. The parliament did not go further, however, than making these proposals.       Parliamentary Elections in Moldova On July 30, First Channel reported that the Communist Party of the Republic of Moldova, a former Soviet republic, had lost their majority in the parliament in the latest elections. According to First Channel, the Communists scored 45% of the votes, which will give them 48 out of 101 seats in the Parliament. Four opposition parties will have the remaining 53 seats, which, while sufficient to forming the cabinet, it is not enough to elect a president. Under the Moldovan constitution, the parliament chooses the president. First Channel stated that analysts doubted if the election would "solve the problems which have caused the political crisis in the republic" when the parliament building was stormed by protesters and the parliament was dissolved after its failure to elect a president. First Channel quoted the leader of the Moldovan Communist party, outgoing president Vladimir Voronin (who is required to step down under Moldova's term limits) as saying that the Communists and other parties which gained the parliament seats, should initiate a dialogue because "Moldova is unlikely to withstand a similar scenario again."  First Channel also quoted Marian Lulu, the leader of Democratic Party of Moldova, as saying that now "Moldova is going to have positive changes: reforms and democratization." On August 1, Russia Channel quoted Vladimir Voronin as saying that the Communists will act as an opposition party "if right-wing liberal coalition is established, with participation of radical extremist forces" in order to "oppose the scenarios of destruction of the economy, welfare system and the statehood." Russia Channel stated that the election campaign was "the fastest and most assertive" held in the region. The channel also reported that an "external factor" had played a special role in the outcome of the Moldovan elections, explaining that the Russian government had supported Vladimir Voronin and the Communist Party by giving Moldova $500 million loan, and the Chinese Communists supported the Moldovan Communists as well by giving a $1 billion loan for infrastructure projects.    Moscow Patriarch in Ukraine In the report about the visit of Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill in Ukraine, First Channel stated that the arrival of the Patriarch was a happy one for thousands of believers who greeted the Patriarch with flowers and applause. Several residents were shown telling reporters how much the visit means to them and that they support Kirill and several shots of massive crowds gathered were shown on all major channels. Coverage of the events was dominated by direct quotes from Kirill. Mentioning that the Synod of Bishops was taking place in Kiev for the first time in the history of the Russian Orthodox Church, First Channel quoted Patriarch Kirill as saying that the Synod was "historic, but not ceremonial," meaning that important issues of church management were considered there. On July 28, First Channel reported that Kirill had led the Divine Liturgy Dedicated to the Commemoration of St. Prince Vladimir. Vladimir converted Russia to Christianity while Kiev was the capital of Rus, which was the precursor to modern Russia. First Channel explained that the holiday was one of especial importance of pride among Ukrainians. The channel quoted the Patriarch as saying that "the aspiration for brotherly unity has not disappeared in the Orthodox Ukrainian people, and this is confirmed by the large number of believers who have participated in this ceremony." Patriarch Kirill also heavily criticized the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine during his trip. This church, independent of the Moscow Patriarchy, formed after Ukraine became an independent state. It now represents about a third of all Orthodox believers in Ukraine but has not been recognized by any other orthodox church as being legitimate. Russia Channel it its report of July 29 quoted Kirill as saying that "destruction of traditions is painful and creates division between people." He also said that the Ukraine should remain part of its historical patriarchy so that "God would have mercy on the Ukrainian people."  Neither Russia Channel nor First Channel covered protests where approximately 300 Ukrainian nationalists had chanted for "the colonizer priest" to "go home." The protests were contained by the Ukrainian police and military detachments to prevent open conflicts. Reports had been shown earlier, however, that, in the run-up to the visit, double-sided billboards had appeared in Kiev with Ukrainian President Viktor Yukashenko on one side and the Patriarch of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine on the other to voice support for the local break-away church.  Interestingly, Ren-TV predicted that Patriarch Kirill would meet the clergy of the Kiev Patriarchy during his visit in order to facilitate the reconciliation of the split churches. However, such a meeting has not taken place.   Joe Biden Says Russia's Weak First Channel in its news programs did not mention the statement made by US Vice President Joseph Biden at the end of a four-day trip to Ukraine and Georgia that Russia is "clinging to something in the past that is not sustainable" and it has "a shrinking population base, they have a withering economy, they have a banking sector and structure that is not likely to be able to withstand the next 15 years." These remarks were said in the context of why the US should be more assertive in negotiations with Russia. Russia Channel quoted Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying that the words of the US Vice president is an attempt to return the political situation to the time the Bush presidency.  Sergey Lavrov expressed hope that the US administration will comply with the new agreements reached between the two countries during the recent summit in Moscow. Sergey Prikhodko, and aide to President Medvedev, was more straightforward in his commentary. Russia Channel quoted Prikhodko as saying that the world's economic problems, not only in Russia, are related to the "consequences of the unreasonable, sometimes on the brink of adventurist, actions of US economic institutions under the Presidency of George Bush Junior." Prikhodko also stated that "if some members of the team and the government of the US President don't like the good atmosphere" established under Barack Obama, they "had better say this" because "the Russian leaders should know it."    Joe Biden in Georgia and Ukraine The major Russian TV channels were very concise in their reporting about the visit of US Vice President Joseph Biden in Georgia and Ukraine. First Channel did not cover Biden's agenda in Ukraine and only reported about his being in Georgia that Georgian opposition had a rally of protest against the "lawlessness and totalitarian regime established in Georgia" timed to Biden's visit. Russia Channel provided more details, but preferred to cover the visit of the US Vice President in a sarcastic tone, by saying that Biden told Georgian President Saakashvili the same thing as he said a day earlier to "Saakashvili's child godfather" Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko – that the USA will always support Georgia and Ukraine. Russia Channel quoted Mikhail Saakashvili as saying that the words of Joe Biden sound to him as "the most beautiful music".  Russia Channel stated that, according to BBC report, the US Vice President neither guaranteed Georgia military support in case of military conflict with Georgia's participation nor assured the Georgian leaders that the country would be accepted in NATO, except for saying that the USA supports Georgia's quest for joining NATO. According to REN-TV, which is generally considered the most independent channel in Russia, the statement made by Joseph Biden in Georgia that the USA "will not recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states" pleased the Georgian audience, but Biden's words that the USA is not going to interfere in the Georgian presidential elections frustrated the opposition which has insisted on having early elections.      Human Rights Activist Murdered On the morning of July 16, Natalia Estimirova, a human rights activist with the organization Memorial was kidnapped in Chechen capital Grozny. Her body, with several bullet wounds, was found along the Caucasus Highway in the neighboring Russian republic of Ingushetia in the evening. First Channel reported that law enforcement authorities believed her murder was connected to work – investigating cases of kidnapping in Chechnya. However, none of the Russian TV channels elaborated on who might have held this motive or committed the crime. First Channel quoted Russian President Dmitry Medvedev as saying that Estimirova did very "useful" things. Medvedev said that she had "told the truth and frankly, sometimes in a tough manner, gave her opinion about some processes taking place in Russia – the activities which make human rights activists valuable even if the activists are not comfortable or pleasant for the authorities. The president also said that this crime would be investigated in the most careful manner and the criminals responsible will be punished. Russia Channel quoted President of Chechnya Ramzan Kadyrov as saying that the Chechen authorities would investigate this crime and punish the criminals. Interim President of Ingushetia Rashid Gaisanov said in a Russia Channel interview that the murder of Estimirova is one of the notorious crimes committed recently in the South of Russia by "destructive forces" and aimed at "discrediting the authorities." Other new sources have quoted the Memorial head blaming the murder directly or indirectly on Kadyrov himself. Medvedev has also been quoted elsewhere as saying, shortly after learning while abroad that accusations that Kadyrov may have been involved were "primitive." The major networks did not give airtime to these issues.   Anniversary of Apollo Moon Landing Russia Channel, in its report on the anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, stated that it was a "political landing," meant to show that the USA had "caught up" with the Soviet Union in the area of space exploration. Russia Channel reported that the US government spent billions of dollars on the Apollo moon landing project, and this was hardly justified by scientific purposes, but was caused by the "peaceful competition" taking place between the two superpowers at that time. However, the channel admitted that the competition was for the benefit of space exploration, and pointed to the fact that today when there are no longer two superpowers, there have been no breakthroughs in space exploration. At the same time, national TV paid a tribute to the greatness of the event. Russia Channel quoted Academician Boris Chertok as saying that the moon landing was the third greatest breakthrough in the history of the human civilization after the two accomplishments of the Soviet Union: launching sputnik and the first man in space, and this event will be prominent in history for many thousand years to come. The national 24-hour news channel, Vesti, also had lengthy reports on theories that the moon landing was faked. They also showed footage that they said was produced but never released as an attempt to fake a moon landing by the Soviet Union.   G-8 Meeting First Channel in its report on G-8 meeting in L'Aquila, Italy stated that it probably was the last G-8 summit because "new strong players appeared on the stage." This may result in G-14 where India, China, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa and Egypt will officially join the G-8. In addition, First Channel said that the discussion at the G-8 meeting included issues from Russia's agenda, such as establishing new global reserve currency. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev showed reporters a coin made in Belgium which could be considered a test version of new currency. Russia Channel reported that President Dmitry Medvedev had "difficult negotiations" with Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso parallel to the meeting. Earlier, on July 3, Japanese parliament passed a resolution confirming that Japan believes that the Russian-administered islands of South Kuriles, seized from Japan at the end of WWII, are an "integral part" of Japan. According to Russia Channel, Dmitry Medvedev said to Taro Aso that "such actions of the parliament do not create the environment for open dialogue" and suggested that the Japanese government should "work with parliament" in order to "move forward" in the Russian-Japanese bilateral relations.  The islands are one major issue why Russia and Japan have still not formally signed a peace treaty ending WWII.   Russian President Surprise Visit to South Ossetia On July 13, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited South Ossetia. Russian TV made no comments as to the timing of the visit, taking place just after the US-Russia summit, as being significant. They also did not speculate as to why the meeting had not been announced in advance. First Channel quoted leader of South Ossetia Eduard Kokoity that the visit of the Russian President is a "big holiday" for the republic. In turn, President Medvedev said to Kokoity that the visit would hopefully lay the foundation for friendly relations between Russia and South Ossetia. The topic for the discussion was Russia's plan for restoring the Ossetian economy. According to First Channel, a crowd of the residents of Ossetian capital of Tskhinval (note that this is the name by which Russian and Ossetia refer to the city, it drops final "i" that most other countries use as the "i" was added by the Georgians). The crowd waited for the end of the meeting between the two leaders, and later they spoke to President Medvedev and thanked him for the help Russia provided to South Ossetia. In addition, President Medvedev visited the Russian military base in Tskhinval. According to First Channel, 1,700 Russian military men are currently deployed in the province in order to prevent further possible conflict between Georgia and South Ossetia.   Study Journalism in Russia The Library: Politics in Russia SRAS Resources for Teachers   Find out more! SRAS Travel Services More Study Abroad Programs Internships in Russia Heath and Safety in Russia The SRAS Newsletter Journal for Students More Free Resources! Questions or comments? Contact the editor . « back to News archive print this page email this page