Moscow: Yelena Vartanova, Dean of the Faculty of Journalism at Moscow State University, provided insights into the foundational elements of the Russian media system during a discussion with twenty African journalists present in Russia at the invitation of the TASS agency.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Vartanova emphasized that the Russian media system is structured around three core pillars: the state, society, and technology.

The Russian media landscape, which comprises more than 150,000 titles, sees only a third operating normally, as stated by Vartanova. She highlighted the unique characteristic of these media outlets, which is their close ties with the Russian state and public ownership. The state serves as the primary financial supporter of these media through subsidies and advertising contracts.

Additionally, Vartanova mentioned that Russian media have a responsibility to promote the country's languages, culture, and arts. The media are also tasked with respecting religious sanctity, promoting family values, and embracing the ideals of Russian society. In terms of technological advancement, the media in Russia are seen as leaders, as they continually adopt contemporary tools to remain competitive.

The regulatory environment of the Russian media is shaped by several laws. Vartanova cited the 1991 law abolishing censorship but holding editorial staff accountable for their content. The 2018 legislation restricts foreign ownership of media outlets to a maximum of 50% of shares. Furthermore, a 2022 law prohibits publishing false news about the Armed Forces, national symbols, and leaders, while another law labels journalists funded by foreign countries as "foreign agents."

Yelena Vartanova noted that Russian society generally supports this editorial framework, which aims to avoid biased information. However, she acknowledged that journalists who oppose this model often choose to go into exile. She also provided historical context, noting that Moscow State University was founded over 270 years ago, with its journalism faculty established 75 years ago.

The TASS-Africa press program, which includes a series of colloquia and visits to cultural, tourist, and academic sites, is taking place from November 16 to 24, 2025, in Moscow, Kazan, and Saint Petersburg.