Television: Medium at the Service of the Authorities

Television has become the daily company of nine out of ten Russians. The media that emerged during perestroika first seemed a tool of democratization and modernization. However, journalists who had been united only by their common opposition to the communist regime have not been able to find the means to become an independent force, in a position to counterbalance the political authorities. Safe for a few exceptions, the profession has been unable to resist the pressure from the new authorities. President Putin has imposed his law and, since 2000, television has clearly contributed to the effort of the regime to convey an image of stability, unity and patriotism. A few timid attempts have been trying to introduce some analysis and reflection through entertainment programs. However, the atmosphere is today that of a Potemkin village. The president and his inner circle do not see the problem, quite the contrary.