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Clashing views on press freedom

Vladimir Radyuhin

Global newspaper conference in Moscow; Putin defends independence of the media in Russia

PHOTO: AP

PEN'S MIGHT: World Editor Forum's President George Brock (right) hands over the forum's Golden Pen of Freedom award to Akbar Ganji, a prominent Iranian dissident and investigative reporter in Moscow on Monday.

MOSCOW: Freedom of the media in Russia dominated the opening day of a global newspaper conference in Moscow, with clashing views on the issue presented by the head of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and the Russian President.

Opening the 59th World Newspaper Congress and 13th World Editors Forum on Monday, WAN President Gaivin O'Reilly said control of the media by the state in Russia was hindering the ability of a free press to contribute to national development.

Mr. O'Reilly noted "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. Putin, who addressed the conference after Mr. O'Reilly, defended press freedom in Russia. He said the reforms "would have been impossible without free press," and insisted that "press freedom remains the main guarantee that [Russia's democratic choice] is irreversible." He said independent press had been growing by leaps and bounds in Russia.

"Fifty-three thousand periodicals are brought out in Russia today," Mr. Putin said. "It would be absolutely impossible to control them even if the state had an interest in doing so."

The World Newspaper Congress, held for the first time in Russia, has drawn a record 1,700 participants and guests.

About 25 Indian newspapers are taking part, which is also a record participation from India. The Hindu is represented by Managing Editor N. Murali.

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