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Putin calls for state orders on TV
To shape the moral image of Russians
The government may introduce state orders on TV in an attempt to influence the media, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the professors and students of the Saint-Petersburg University of Humanities and Social Sciences on Tuesday. He was responding to a remark by Rector Alexander Zapesotsky that the government should set moral standards of behavior for Russian citizens, including through TV and other media. In response, Putin said that the government could not command the media again, as it did in the Soviet times, though it could, and perhaps should, influence the media using a system of state grants.
Apparently, he was primarily referring to television, which has been heavily criticized recently, with culture officials and religious organizations among its strongest critics. About RUB 40 million (approx. $1.5m) would be spent on such government grants in 2008-2011, Putin said, noting that this was of course not enough.
“We cannot once again begin to control the media, both electronic and printed. We need a system of state orders for television, theaters and higher education establishments. This could become a powerful tool of state influence on the media,” the Prime Minister said, stressing that the Russian press was unprepared for complete freedom, and the government had to shape the moral image of the Russian people. He stopped short, however, of attacking TV. “One cannot say that the heads of the leading channels do not react to what’s going on in the country and the society,” he said. “For all the criticism against them, I think they are responsible people who are trying to improve the situation,” Putin said.
Over the past fifteen years the Russian media have been working in tough conditions, actually struggling for survival, but things are changing now, according to the Prime Minister. “It is very easy to exert influence: just don’t be greedy,” he instructed. At the same time, he does not think that state orders alone would be enough. “The government will not cope alone,” Putin said, pointing to the role of the intelligentsia and civil institutions in education and the upbringing of Russian people.
Along with grants, another way of increasing state influence on TV – potentially a very powerful education tool – could be the creation of a new civil institution, a public supervisory council. The idea originally came from Sergei Mironov, Chairman of the Federation Council (upper chamber of the Russian parliament) and received approval by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. According to a bill submitted to the State Duma for consideration, the Council could provide a moral assessment of TV programs and films. Since the public council would not be authorized by law to ban any films or programs, this would not amount to censorship. Though it would be able to check compliance with state orders.
“State funding of high-quality and serious patriotic projects, which do not offer quick profits to TV channels, will be a good solution,” says Alexander Shchipkov, an aide to Sergei Mironov. “Yet, civil control is also necessary.” The bill, which he co-authored, was being considered by the government. “The copies have been sent to competent departments, and although their opinions were expected back in the summer, they are still silent. They are giving neither a negative response - probably fearing angry reaction from the public - nor a positive opinion, mainly because of TV lobbyists,” Shchipkov told RBC Daily. Yet, there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel: Putin’s statement sends a clear message to government officials, urging them into action.
Analytical department of RIA RosBusinessConsulting
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