Russian journalists and other media employees are likely to be among the worst affected by the ongoing economic slump, with many set to lose their jobs as advertising revenues and state funding continue to shrink, according to government estimates.
Alexei Levchenko, an aide to Deputy Prime Minister Olga Golodets, told the Izvestia newspaper on Friday that a government panel on monitoring labor and unemployment had convened to discuss the "conditions in the media market, where the situation is one of the most alarming."
Between 15 percent and 20 percent of Russian media employees are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the economic downturn, Izvestia reported, citing Communication and Press Ministry estimates. That could affect tens of thousands of people, the report added.
"The layoffs have only just begun — for instance, at TASS," Levchenko was quoted as saying.
The TASS news agency, one of Russia's largest state-run news agencies, was planning to lay off 25 percent of its staff in February as funding dwindled, general director Sergei Mikhailov said last month in comments carried by Vedomosti.
Other state news organizations, including pro-Kremlin broadcaster RT and news agency Rossiya Segodnya are looking at slashing their spending by at least 50 percent as the ruble continues to shed value, news reports have said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
