Complexity Leads To Stumbles, Rejection For Independent Media

Michael Hedges December 6, 2022 - Follow on Twitter

Under pressure from authorities, several Russian news broadcasters and publishers have fled to safer climes. Getting settled in a new location requires perseverance. But a certain set of Russian writers, reporters, editors and publishers have stockpiled that trait in abundance. There have been rewards, as well as awards. Independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta editor Dmitry Muratov was honored with the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize. Reflecting on this, notorious Russian media regulator/censor Roskomnadzor ordered Novaya Gazeta shuttered.

Latvian media regulator National Electronic Mass Media Council (NEPLP) has “cancelled” the broadcasting authorization of TV Dozhd (TV Rain), said a statement from chairman Ivars Abolins (December 6). The NEPLP had earlier fined TV Dozhd for displaying a map of occupied Crimea marked as “Russian territory” and referring to the Russian army as “our army” while “inviting” viewers to provide “the illegal invasion force with supplies and equipment.” The Latvian State Security Service had warned the regulator in July about threats to national security posed by Russian media operating in Latvia.

“The management of TV Rain did not understand the nature and gravity of each individual infringement,” said the NEPLP statement. “The laws of Latvia must be followed and respected by everyone.” TV Dozhd relocated to Latvia earlier this year, a week after Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The NEPLP provided a broadcast authorization in June and the channel resumed operation a month later. Terminating the Latvian authorization likely affects TV Dozhd terrestrial distribution elsewhere in the European Union. However, the channel’s primary distribution worldwide is on YouTube, which is not affected.

The employment of TV Dozhd “Here and Now” news program host Alexey Korostelev was terminated (December 2) a day after the on-air gaffe. Three other staff members, including editor Vladimir Romesky, resigned in protest. “They threw one of their own under the bus,” he said, quoted by Meduza (December 3). “They sent a loved one to slaughter. I can’t do that, I’m gone.”

"TV Rain did not, does not, and will not act to help supply the Russian army,” said executive editor Tikhon Dzyadko, quoted by Meduza (December 2). “It’s necessary for us to disseminate this information so that a wide audience recognizes the criminal nature of the Russian leadership’s actions since February 24, 2022. Every Russian citizen, including service members and mobilized soldiers, should know the truth about this criminal and despicable war.”

Roughly one-third of Latvians are Russian speakers and the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not popular, particularly the Russian troop mobilization. With proximity to the Russian Federation close and disinformation pervasive, political tensions are rife. Defence Minister Artis Pabriks (December 2) called for revocation of residence permits of TV Dozhd employees. “They should go back to Russia. We have run out of patience.”

Latvia has become a destination for exiled Russians - including a large contingent of journalists and media workers. Well-known Russian exile news portal Meduza relocated to Riga, Latvian capital in 2014. Its pointed news coverage has been a thorn in the side of Russian authorities. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) estimates 200 journalists and 23 outlets have resettled in Latvia. The aforementioned Mr. Muratov relocated to Germany.

See also...

• Hot Topics - Journalism

• Hot Topics - Censorship