BBC: World Assn. of Newspapers Congress grills Putin on press freedom

[DeepModem Mom]

Putin grilled over press freedom


Vladimir Putin faced direct questioning about media freedom

A meeting of more than 1,000 newspaper executives and editors from around the world has opened in Moscow with harsh criticism of Russia's media freedom. President Vladimir Putin, who was at the opening of the World Association of Newspapers Congress, was urged to do more to develop a free press....

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Mr Putin...had some uncomfortable moments as the association's president, Gavin O'Reilly, raised what he said were deeply held concerns about press freedom in Russia.

"Your country and your administration have been severely criticised internationally for an alleged unwillingness to forego control and influence over the media," Mr O'Reilly said.

He asked why the Russian state was accused of creating an atmosphere of self-censorship and fear in the press, why the government and industrial groups linked to it had been taking control of the media, especially TV channels and why local media were coming under similar control.

"There is still very widespread scepticism, both inside and outside your country, about whether there exists any real willingness to see the media become a financially strong, influential and independent participant in Russian society today," Mr O'Reilly said....

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5049628.stm