This article from the Guardian discusses the struggles and problems of independent journalists within Russia. Using the information in this article, develop a series of questions that you would ask Russian journalists regarding their work. Remember to build and do additional research for an A.
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/nov/24/anna-politkovskaya-russia-press-freedom
Knowing the risks, why did you chose to become a journalist in Russia? What first brought you to journalism? Why did you chose to write the truth? Was it hard knowing that what you wrote could cause things in your life to be harmed? What kinds of articles are considered "dangerous" in Russia? Why are you so intent on revealing the truth? What has kept you going after threats? Did you ever think about giving up? Do you think the problem with journalism is Russia's censorship? Do the citizens appreciate being told the truth or are they against it as well? Do you ever worry that you will be attacked or killed because of you writings? Knowing that over 20 journalists have been killed in the past three years (http://journalists-in-russia.org/jir/journalists/index/page:3) why do you keep writing? Do you believe your job will ever be easier? What do you think the future holds for journalism in Russia?
ReplyDeleteI liked your question about the future of journalism in Russia. I hadn't even thought about that. What do you think will happen for journalists in Russia in the future?
Delete~ Charlotte Dyer
Is speaking the truth really worth the risks? Have you ever received any threats or been approached in a violent manner? Have there ever been threats to your family or anyone else associated with you? What are some of the most controversial topics you have written about? What are some of the laws surrounding the oppression of speech (http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/24/world/europe/russia-free-speech-report/)? Do you know anyone else that has been harrassed over what they've written? Has anything happened to make you consider retiring/pursuing a different career? Do you think the government will ever loosen the reigns on journalism and freedom of speech? How do your friends and family feel about your choice to work in the field of journalism? How does the general public feel about Russian censorship? About the attacks on journalists? Have you ever been bribed to stop writing/publishing controversial material? Have you ever second-guessed your decision to pursue independent journalism? Why did you choose this profession? What are some of the positive things about being an independent journalist? How would things be different if you had chosen to write for a government-owned newspaper or worked for a government-owned television station? Have you ever been refused anything (seat at a restaurant, entrance to an event, friendship, etc) because of your job?
ReplyDelete-- Emma Fleuette
I really like your questions Emma! Especially the last one about being refused something because of being a journalist. That is a very interesting question, I never would have thought that maybe the people are on the government's side. I assumed most normal citizens would be against the bad treatment of journalists.
Delete~Kali
Your questions are great! I also wonder if they had threatened their family or loved ones and if so why would they keep on doing something that jeopardizes the lives of their loved ones?
Delete1. Could journalists resort to using the newspaper, which shows more hope in independence, or would it not be worth it. If the Russian government were to shut down particular newspaper groups, how long would it take?
ReplyDelete2. What is the likelihood of a journalist talking (giving the missing information) to a foreign journalist? Would this work or only endanger the foreign journalist? Is there an understanding between the foreign and Russian journalists or do they have uneasy, angry, biased feelings towards each other.
3. Is it possible the Russian government is behind the assassinations of threatening journalists?
4. What type of social media do citizens have?
5. Do citizens secretly, openly, or not at all appreciate the journalists?
1. Do you predict the Russian government will have a problem with the upcoming Olympic Games and all the media coverage?
Fact: The Human Rights Watch has noticed that the government has taken "efforts to intimidate several organizations and individuals". These people have questioned the government on the "abuse of migrant workers" and how preparation for the Olympics will be affecting the environment and health of people. There is concern with the "unfair compensation for people forcibly evicted from their homes."
4. Jane Buchanan, one of the directors of the Human Rights Watch says, “One of the non-negotiable requirements of hosting the Olympics is to allow press freedom, and the authorities’ attempts to silence critics are in clear violation of that principle.” ---- Assuming the Russian Government will allow press freedom, do you predict a large surge of reporters going to Russia not only for the Olympic information but also Russian Government, policies, ect information?
5. Do you believe that if or when journalists, foreign or not, start reporting about 'sensitive topics' versus the Olympics, that the Russian Government, police, or thug groups will bully them?
- Moriah Calfin
The source for the Olympic information
ReplyDeletehttp://www.hrw.org/news/2013/11/19/russia-silencing-activists-journalists-ahead-sochi-games
Also, for some reason I didn't number my questions correctly...Sorry about that.
Russia certainly seems like a dangerous place to report. This article talked about many reporters being attacked for documenting the truth. I was curious to know what happened to Beketov since this article was written, and it turns out that he passed away earlier this year, after somewhat recovering from his injuries. Prior to the attack, Beketov mentioned his suspicion of mayor Vladimir Strelchenko, but there wasn’t enough evidence for a case. Beketov was asked to resign, but when he didn’t, he was attacked. He told his prediction of being attacked to an activist before it happened, but the police stated they couldn’t find enough evidence. After being attacked, Beketov had to spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair, and couldn’t speak, which left him helpless. In fact, mayor Strelchenko later sued Beketov for slander and won the case. Witnesses of the attack and surveillance videos were ignored and the attackers were never identified. These events clearly show that Russian officials seem reluctant to take any action against any form of higher authority, whether its a mayor or the president. The police are too afraid to take action against officials because they fear that they will be harmed, so they never seem to find enough evidence to punish the officials. This makes me wonder, what would happen if the police and journalists worked together to stop this censorship. What would it take to stop the government from silencing those who criticize it?
ReplyDeleteAnother thing I read about was that Beketov had won many journalism prizes, including some given out by Russia. In fact, President Vladimir Putin, after awarding Beketov a prize, stated that there was going to be an investigation into the attack. I wonder if Putin said this in order to make Russia seem less authoritarian than it is, and show that “shimmer of freedom” the article talked about. But this shimmer seems to fade as more and more reporters get attacked and independent newspapers get shut down. For starters, in the trial of Anna Politkovskaya’s murder, all three defendants were acquitted. However, these defendants were not on trial for killing Politkovskaya in the first place, nor did they kill or plan the murder. Another source mentions that this incident shouts a clear message to the attackers: “you can do it and get away with it.” This seems to be highlighted in other more recent cases, like Beketov’s and Elena Milashina’s. Milashina and her friend were attacked after investigating the murder of another reporter. The police ignored the bleeding and injured women after arriving 90 minutes late to the scene of the crime. All these highlight the lacklustre attitude of the police in handling such cases. With more and more of these incidents getting international coverage, will the Russian government be forced to stop censorship in order to seem like a free country? Or will the government stop trying to keep up this charade and start restricting the freedom of all its citizens?
Currently, Russia is the 4th deadliest country for press since 1992. 54 journalists have been murdered since then, and 16 of those cases remain unsolved. In addition to this, Putin has increased restrictions, such as fining those who participate in “unapproved” demonstrations, increasing barriers for NGOs and independent media groups, censoring the internet, and loosening the definition of treason so that reporters can’t work with foreigners. With all of these restrictions, what can journalists report about without any fear of being harassed? Has anyone tried to collaborate with foreign reporters in the past? Do fired journalists have a harder time getting new jobs than other people? Or are they regarded as heroes by the public?
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/world/europe/mikhail-beketov-russian-journalist-beaten-in-2008-dies.html?_r=0
http://groups.rightsinrussia.info/archive/ujr/beketov
http://www.hrw.org/news/2009/02/20/anna-politkovskaya-no-justice
http://www.hrw.org/news/2012/04/06/russia-prominent-journalist-attacked
https://www.cpj.org/2013/02/attacks-on-the-press-in-2012-russia.php
I found your question about how the Russian government will react very interesting! I also didn't consider how the governments response could affect the freedom of every citizen not just journalist. I wonder what your prediction would be on whether they will increase or decrease censorship?
Deletein the article it says "Russian authorities are very capable of investigating crimes. It's just the political will is not there," Ognianova explains" do you think the police are part of the assassinations that kill journalists and that's why they don't look far into the murder cases?
ReplyDeletewhy is it that television airs similar topics to what journalists write about but those have not been canceled or shut down?
what are some examples of "truths" that Russian journalists write about that get them killed or beaten half to death?
If someone from America or another country were to come to Russia and become a journalist and write about the same things would they be punished the same was as Russian journalists? Or because they were foreign would there be a different punishment or no punishment at all?
"To be a journalist in Russia is suicide. It's suicide if you talk about truth," says Vladimir Yurov, a colleague and friend of Beketov's" do you think the risk out weighs the gain of people knowing about these things?
~Sarah Riggins
Why would you risk your life for just a story? How does it feel to be hunted by someone who you don't even know where or what he wants with you? Knowing what might happen to you would you become a reporter?
ReplyDeleteTo a Russian Journalist,
ReplyDeleteBeing interested in possibly pursuing journalism as a future career, I found this topic to be very interesting. It really made me question whether I would be willing to risk my life to be able to publish the truth. I want to know what was the main factor that led you to become a journalist? Are you trying to make a statement? Hoping the government will make a change if enough people fight against it? Also, how did you first hear about journalism? Are your friends/family involved in journalism somehow?
I found in very interesting how two of Bidisha's questions were "Do fired journalists have a harder time getting new jobs than other people? Or are they regarded as heroes by the public?" I would also like to know the answer to these questions. They reminded me of a previous blog article, "Teenagers, Girls, Blogging, and Race Cars. Welcome to the world of Han Han". In China, Han Han is made out to be a rebel. He has a blog where he continually posts about the government but yet he is still allowed to have his blog. Other journalists/bloggers in China have been threatened or arrested for talking about topics similar to the ones Han Han talks about. I was wondering if there is a similar situation in Russia. After doing some research, I found that there are Russian bloggers, but journalism seems to be something that is always dangerous, no one can get away with writing unless they are writing for the government. Another question would be, would you be willing to write for a government newspaper, as long as you were able to be called a journalist? Or is there something bigger that you are writing for?
After doing further research I also found out that in Russia there is freedom of speech and freedom of press, but because of corruption in the government, journalists are still attacked abused for trying to publish the truth. But even though there are risks, people keep pursuing journalism. When trying to look up journalists in Russia, instead I found countless stories of journalists who have been attacked, including a list of over 200 journalist who have been murdered. How does it make you feel to know that you aren't doing anything wrong, yet you are being punished?
I do not know if I would be able to be a journalist with all of the threats and pressure that Russian journalists have. I wonder, are you writing because you love writing? Or are you writing because you are trying to stand up for your rights? What was your motivation for becoming a journalist? Have you ever thought of leaving Russia to pursue journalism somewhere else? How have your friends/ family reacted to you being a journalist?
I am part of the journalism club/ school newspaper, and this year because the paper will be published online, and anyone can access it, the principal has to review all article before they are published. We have found certain topics that are important to students that we need to stay away from. I was frustrated by this fact at first, but I later realized that students still hear about the topics that aren't in the paper, and that most students don’t even read the school newspaper. I realize that this is a whole different level, but a lot of the world understands that Russia has a corrupt government, that won’t change whether you write about it or not, other countries will still know what is happening. Russian citizens know too, it even mentioned in the article “To Be a Journalist in Russia is Suicide” that Beketov suspected that he could be attacked. This leads to my final question; knowing that people might not even read what you are writing, and knowing that people will find out information through other methods than journalists, is it really worth the risk of trying to be a journalist?
~Kali
I remember while the Russians were here you mentioned you wanted to go into journalism. I know that you asked if it is worth the risk of being a journalist, but as you go down the road down that path possibly in the future, do you think you would possibly change your mind and think it is worth the risk as it could possibly be your life in the future?
DeleteOh I forgot, these are the other articles I used
ReplyDeletehttp://www.freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-press/2013/russia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_journalists_killed_in_Russia
http://archives.newyorker.com/?i=2011-07-04#folio=058
~Kali
I have many questions to this article such as: Why are journalists not giving up when they know the dangers of what they are doing? Are they trying to send a message to the government and if so what is it and why? If so many journalists have been killed and tortured over telling the truth about Russia why do they feel its worth it to keep on doing it? I don't find it hard to wrap my head around this idea because I lived in Russia for 5 years. I was a child but I still remember the awful things that went on and things I cant explain to this day. Americas culture is very different than Russia's. My last question is why does the government have so much hate for journalists that are reporting the truth? What do they have to hide?
ReplyDeleteIf you know of all the dangers of being a reporter in Russia then why do it? It’s understandable that it may be what someone loves to do and you want people to know how you feel but is it really worth losing your life. I can see how it is necessary for the people in Russia to get real true information about the government and what is really going on but if the only way to do that puts you in risk of getting killed then you know that something is really wrong. Another thing I wonder about Russian reporters is if they have a sort of line that they know they shouldn’t cross and if they really know where the government’s line is.
ReplyDeleteSome people have responded saying that it isn’t worth it to be a journalist in Russia, but someone has to take the job. Journalists become even more valuable when countries are in situations like this. The people of Russia need to know that this is how the government treats them if they attempt to speak the truth. The article stated that 49 journalists had been killed since 1992, but I found an article stating that since 1993, 342 journalists, photographers, editors, etc. had been killed (http://journalists-in-russia.org/jir/journalists/index/page:26). This is a very large amount of murders, but if journalists stopped trying because they feared what the government may do to them, then the government would win. Journalists need to continue to report the truth, and the people need to make a statement that this kind of behavior from the government is not okay. I would like to know if independent journalists know that they will be targeted, why don’t they group together? Wouldn't it be much harder for the government to attack a group of journalists?
ReplyDelete-Teigue Young
1. What drove you to become a journalist?
ReplyDelete2. Did you know about the risks of being a journalist before you became one? If yes, why did you still want to have a career in this field?
3. Have you ever been attacked? If not, and you were to be attacked, would you still consider being a journalist?
4. Does it bother you that the police don’t seem to be too invested in solving these attacks?
5. What qualifies as a “dangerous” topic to write about?
6. What is the most “dangerous” topic you have written about?
I found it terrifying that “…there are now 80 attacks on journalists in Russia every year…” I didn’t know that journalism was such a dangerous job to begin with in Russia. In this other article I read, Elena Milashina was interviewed and clarified that if one has the courage to speak or write about the truth, then you have a target on your back. Also within this interview, the fact that human rights were being abused was brought up and that nobody was being punished for these killings. It made me think that if this were to happen in the U.S. that the police wouldn’t just let it go like the police in Russia do.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the group session with the Russians that visited SHS, but I talked with Bidisha who told me a little of what they said. I thought it was interesting when she said that the Russians had said that it isn’t as dangerous to be a journalist as it seems, which makes me think that we could quite possibly be over exaggerating about this.
~Charlotte Dyer
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/the-danger-in-being-a-journalist-in-russia-today-1.798211
ReplyDeleteHere is the link to the article that I referenced.
~ Charlotte Dyer
I wish I was there to hear them too! I am very curious how they would respond to your questions. I wonder if their job puts their families at risk and how they deal with that. Do they ever have to put themselves in a situation that could threaten the security of their loved ones? How would they weigh the responsibility to deliver the truth to the people against the safety of their family? I can't even imagine...I really hope the dangers are exaggerated as you said.
Delete1. Do you believe the issues surrounding journalists being attacked for their articles are being covered in Russia or ignored?
ReplyDelete2. What do you believe could be done to prevent such violent attacks in the future?
3. Do you believe that being attacked for your writing would prevent you from continuing being a journalist or give you motivation to voice your opinions more?
4. Although Russia may not have the highest rate of journalists killed in a country, they have a significant number of attacks with "unconfirmed motives" do you believe this reflects the action being taken on attackers or attention given to these events? (http://cpj.org/killed/europe/russia/)
5. Before you became a journalist were you aware of the oppression of journalists in Russia for certain writings? If so, did this ever make you reconsider your choice to be a journalist?
6. In this article, editor Vladimir Yurov stated "To be a journalist in Russia is suicide. Its suicide if you talk the truth." Do you believe the attacks on journalists are actually common or are certain attacks gaining a lot of attention due to their severity?
7. What do you believe the differences are between the oppression a journalist may face in a dangerous foreign environment versus facing oppression for voicing opinions in their own country?
8. Some journalists have been referenced to as "activists" do you believe this is case for all journalists under attack? http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/08/06/russia-silencing-activists-journalists-ahead-sochi-games
1. If so much is at risk for you to be a journalist why do you still report in Russia, there are other options that allow you to report in other parts of the world?
ReplyDelete2. What is the most dangerous topic you have published in your newspaper?
3. according to this website http://www.cpj.org/killed/americas/usa/, there have been 6 americans killed since 1992, wereas in russia, the article says 49 journalists have been killed since 1992, what would you say is the main reason for journalists to be murdered?
4. Do all journalist who have been murdered believe in the same point of veiw?
5. Have you ever been thretaned or attacked for something you have published, if so do you know the reasoning, or have you ever considered not being a journalist any more?
6. Were you aware of the dangers you were getting into before you became a journalist?
7. Do you have any worreis about the upcoming olympic games, and the media that will be surrounding the games?http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/08/06/russia-silencing-activists-journalists-ahead-sochi-games
1. What made you want to become a journalist?
ReplyDelete2. Was journalism
3. Did you know the dangers of becoming a journalist before you came one, and if so, why did you become one?
4. What makes the job worth it even though many other journalists have been tortured and even murdered?
5. What is the government’s motive to dislike journalists and their work?
6. What is the government hiding?
7. Is the government a part of the killings of the assassinations of threatening journalists?
8. Have you ever considered another profession?
9. Do you believe your job will become easier, and safer, in the near future?
10. Will there be any problems with Russian journalism and the upcoming Olympic Games?
1. What drove you to be a journalist/ what about being a journalist interests you?
ReplyDelete2. Have you ever been attacked or threatened? If so please explain
3. If you were as badly beaten as someone such as Mikhail Beketov, would you continue your profession as a journalist? if so why
4. What is the most dangerous topic you have ever covered and how dangerous was it?
5. Is being a journalist in Russia considered to be a good profession?
6. Are most journalists aware of how dangerous it can get?
7. Why do you think it is so dangerous to be a reporter in the first place
8. Have you ever thought about reporting for somewhere else besides Russia/ Have you thought about starting a new, safer profession?
1.) Since the government goes to such extremes to protect Russia, why do you feel the need to go against the government and risk your own life to expose them?
ReplyDelete2.) Does the known risk leave you paranoid all the time?
3.) If you’re willing to risk so much to report on Russia, why don’t you collaborate with other journalists and citizens and begin a protest/movement?
4.) What type of topics are you drawn to report on?
5.) Is the information you’re trying to share known by the Russian citizens? Or is it hidden from them, as well as the rest of the world?
6.) Do you feel that other countries should step in and protect the journalists?
7.) In the article Russia: Silencing Activists, Journalists ahead of Sochi Games, Jane Buchanan states, “One of the non-negotiable requirements of hosting the Olympics is to allow press freedom, and the authorities’ attempts to silence critics are in clear violation of that principle.”, do you feel that Russia may attempt to ‘silence the critics’? If they do, how do you feel the people will react?
8.) The article Russia: Silencing Activists, Journalist ahead of Sochi Games also states, “During that time new laws were adopted restricting public assemblies, re-criminalizing libel, criminalizing religious insult, introducing additional restrictions on internet content, expanding the definition of treason, and banning “propaganda” for “nontraditional sexual relations.”” How do you feel about Russia already taking these steps that restrict speech? Do you think Russia is only going to get stricter down the road, or eventually will they allow for more freedom of speech?
9.) Another article Russia states, “Some regions, such as Perm, enjoyed relatively free media while in other regions the media are entirely controlled by the local political authorities or powerful figures often linked to major energy or industrial groups.” Why do you think the media is stricter in some places than others? Do you feel like the wealthier class may have an influence on what is censored or not if they are linked powerhouses?
10.) In the article Photography At Olympics In Russia, a new ban is discussed, “Journalists using mobile phones to film athletes or spectators will be considered a serious violation and will result in cancellation of accreditation,” With the world being so tech forward, is it even reasonable to not be able to use apps such as Twitter or Instagram, when many companies have made the advancement in order to reach all generations?
Russia: Silencing Activists, Journalist ahead of Sochi Games (http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/08/06/russia-silencing-activists-journalists-ahead-sochi-games)
Russia (http://en.rsf.org/report-russia,131.html )
Photography At Olympics In Russia (http://techcrunch.com/2013/11/11/journalists-reportedly-banned-from-smartphone-photography-at-olympics-in-russia/)
1: What made you want to become a journalist?
ReplyDelete2: Are you scared that you could be killed from doing your field of work?
3: What makes you keep wanting to be a journalist so much?
4: With the upcoming Olympics, do you think there will be any
problems?
5: Do you ever see yourself moving to a more safe area other than Russia?
6: Has anything happened to you like Beketov?
7: Do you think Russia will ever change and be more safe for journalists?
-Jae Clarke
1. knowing the risks and consequences why did you choose to become a reporter?
ReplyDelete2. what are some dangerous topics to report on in russia?
3. http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/07/24/russian-reporter-murder-trial-starts-despite-boycott/ This article by fox states Anna Politkovskaya a murdered journalist's trial is being boycotted. Do you support the boycott or not, and why?
4. many journalists have been murdered in russia, how do you think the government can help protect journalists?
5. did these new dangers come with post-soviet changes or have they always been a problem?
6. how do you see the future of reporting in russia?
7. is the russian media state sponsored? if so, how do deal with that and are you censored?
1. What made you want to become a journalist in Russia knowing the risks are deadly.
ReplyDelete2. I'm sure you hear all these different things about journalists being murdered in Russia, will there be a point where you will think enough is enough and you will stop?
3.Since talking and portraying the truth is considered "suicide" how tough is it to conceal what you right or say?
4. Have you ever been in a situation or an altercation with the government regarding what you have put out as news?
5. Do you feel you have to constantly conceal yourself after you release an article of yours.
6. Is there something in the back of your head that says "one wrong thing that i type could lead me to a coffin?
7.What is different between Journalism in the U.S. and in Russia?
8. What is the most controversial topic you have ever written on?
9. Do you have friends or family also involved in journalism?
10. What is your favorite topic to write about?
- Alex McNally
1. Why are you continuing journalism when your life is at risk? What makes journalism so approachable to you?
ReplyDelete2. If you had a close friend who died or was severely injured as a consequence, like Vladimir Yurov, who “is still working” after what happened to Beketov, would you continue going against the government?
3. How does the government’s strong appeal towards journalism affect your idea of a good economic structure?
4. Does being a journalist affect your personal life and your loved ones? What is the “daily life of a journalist”?
5. Have there been any protests against the murdering of journalists? Have you done anything to stop it?
6. What is the most dangerous article you have published/shared? Were there consequences?
7. How long have you been a journalist and why is the job so popular although it is risky?
8. How do you feel about the fact that most murderers have not been punished or even found? Does it display a suspicion in the Russian government?
Further research:
9. Joel Simon, executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists created a day on November 23, the International Day to End Impunity. He says, “Over the last decade, 16 journalists were murdered for their work in Russia, according to CPJ research. In 13 of these cases, no suspects have been brought to justice. In the other three, low-level suspects, not the masterminds, were convicted.” Do you agree that there should be an international day? Would you use these facts to support it?
http://cpj.org/2013/11/russia-should-support-international-day-to-end-imp.php#more
10. In a different article, it is said that, in Russia, “ 53 journalists were killed in the first six months, up from 45 in the first half of last year.” And that, “Mexico leads the media black-spots with seven journalist killings this year, according to the PEC.” Also includes Iraq and Pakistan. Where do you believe journalism is most dangerous? How dangerous do you believe it is in Russia?
http://www.news24.com/World/News/Bloodbath-against-journalists-20090723
11. Do you agree with, “to be a journalist in Russia is suicide?” Explain.
To any Russian journalist:
ReplyDelete1. It is well known that Putin and the Russian government don’t allow journalists in Russia, what is driving you to still report?
2. Because of the dangers that are common in your profession, why not just report in a different country? Is there any particular thing going on in Russia that compels you to still report there?
3. Research has shown that up to 86% of journalists have witnessed traumatic events while reporting. What is the most traumatic/ horrific event you have witnessed while in Russia? (http://dartcenter.org/content/covering-trauma-impact-on-journalists#.UpAXCsR4yVo)
4. We can assume that most of the Russian people understand the dangers of being a journalist. What would you tell kids/ teens that would like to become a journalist when they are older?
5. How long have you been reporting in Russia?
6. Statistics have shown that 56 journalists have been killed in Russia since 1992. Have you or someone you work with or know ever gotten attacked? (http://cpj.org/killed/europe/russia/)
7. What is your favorite topic to report on in Russia? Why?
8. According to the article given: “They understand perfectly that a shimmer of freedom should be visible so Russia can't be called a totalitarian state.” What do you think about this statement? Do you believe that you along with other journalists should have your freedom based on the previous statement?
9. Censorship laws in Russia are beginning to become more apparent and stricter. “…burst of legislative activity has prompted fears that the Kremlin aims to censor the Internet for political reasons…” How are you planning to further put out your information on the internet, given the restrictions in place against doing so? (http://en.ria.ru/analysis/20130705/182078941.html)
10. Do you constantly remind yourself about your high chance of dying because of your profession?
-Jackson Pollio
Rebecca O'Dowd
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting in itself that the article is titled "To Be A Journalist in Russia is Suicide", the author stating that "it's suicide if you talk the truth". Having this in mind what motivates the journalists to still write about the corruption of the Russian government? Are the journalists people deeply involved with the government, and if not why do they feel the need to interfere and speak their mind even if it means risking their life? What do they gain from their writing and what kind of change are they expecting? The government does not seem to oppose the violence towards journalists, a letter from Kremlin saying they are "politically motivated persecutions and imprisonments" (Kremlin) .This means the more powerful figures such as government and political leaders support the imprisonment of journalists and call their work something worth persecuting for. They seem more concerned with persecuting the journalists for writing against them then persecuting the suspects who murder these journalists. "261 journalists have been killed since the fall of the Soviet Union" (Schepp). I would like to ask the journalists why has the Soviet Union caused this uproar in the general population going against the journalists? Are they writing to gain supporters or are they simply using their own motivation within themselves to make a change in Russia? What other reasons could the journalists be writing for? Are they concerned with the well being of society or do they want to damage Putin's reputation? An article written by Matthew Schepp explained how Putin simply said the journalists were trying to damage him through their writing to give Russia an overall bad reputation, as if it was Putin's fault for the violence toward Russians. For the journalists- What could Putin do to stop this? Is it his fault that the suspects are never questioned or discovered for their murders? Or is it that the police simply are unable to discover these things? One recent murder of a journalist went unexamined because the police did not examine the body enough to realize that it was still alive when they covered it and took it away. Did they know it was a journalist? Or did they simply do this with all of their cases? Are the journalists trying to make a change in the violence towards themselves? Or are they simply writing knowing this as a risk but are more focused on government issues?
1. At what point will the consequences and risks of the job outweigh the good and information that comes from it?
ReplyDelete2. Considering that the UN has gotten involved with the Russian government recently about the role they will play in the Syrian War/revolution do you think that UN or even possibly foreign involvement will hurt or help?
3. Do you think many others would pursue journalism if it wasn’t so dangerous?
4. If a child told you that they would like to be a journalist would you encourage them despite the risks that you have personally faced? Or would you discourage them due to how many journalists have been killed?
5. Have you ever published an article that got you in serious trouble? What was it about? When did it happen?
6. Do you think the general public supports or do not support the actions taken by the government? Do you think they know how serious it has gotten?
7. Have some of your colleagues been jailed for their articles?
8. If you found out you were on a hit list what would you do?
1. Is journalism a supported profession in Russia?
ReplyDelete2. Since unregistered cameras are outlawed in the Sochi Olympics, does that make the stories more important there because there will be no social media coverage?
3. Does that fact that Russia is the 9th most dangerous country for journalist intimidate you or is it not a concern to you?http://cpj.org/killed/europe/russia/murder.php
4. Since Russia is not in the top 12 for most jailed journalists, would you consider this progress from where your country once was?http://www.cjr.org/behind_the_news/which_countries_jail_the_most.php
5. Does your family support your profession, or are they worried about you?
6. Is journalism a popular profession in Russia?
1. Has journalism always been a dangerous occupation in Russia with past leaders or has it become dangerous in recent years?
ReplyDelete2. Did you start journalism knowing that it was a dangerous occupation or did you come to find out through personal experiences?
3. Are the dangers of journalism well known throughout Russia, do people seem to ignore it, or are there groups of people protesting against what the government is doing.
4. Through outside research I have discovered that the main reason for the dangers of journalism is from reporting about corruption within the government and when the political leaders hear about what has been reported they want to stop the reports about them and to do this they get rid of the journalist. Do you fear this will happen to you? Does the threatening presence of the government affect your day-to-day life? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored/rbth/opinion/8188872/Why-are-Russian-journalists-being-killed.html
5. By journalism being very dangerous and many journalists being killed does that ever make you want to stop being a journalist or move out of Russia?
- Brian Mitchell
1. Why do people pursue journalism given the dangers presented?
ReplyDelete2. Do all journalists know of the potential danger?
3. How do journalists feel about the increasing danger? (http://en.rsf.org/annualoverview-21-12-2011,41582.html)
4. Do people still write about the tabooed topics like "writing about corruption inside the Kremlin and Russia's secretive spy agency, the Federal Security Service (FSB),"?
5. What jobs might be pursued in replace of journalism?
6. Is there a future for this field of work? Or will the government take over the task of presenting information to the public?