Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia Editor, shares his captivating experiences from over two decades in Moscow. He discusses the challenges of impartial reporting under Putin's regime and the precarious environment for journalists today. Rosenberg also recollects touching moments, like playing piano for Gorbachev and his friendships with locals, emphasizing the importance of human connections amidst political turmoil. His personal anecdotes and reflections on integrity in journalism provide a unique lens on life in contemporary Russia.
Reporting in Russia amidst increasing repression requires journalists to navigate language and safety challenges while striving for truthfulness.
The journalist's deep emotional connection with Russia highlights the contrast between past vibrant political discourse and today's pervasive disillusionment.
Deep dives
Life in Putin's Russia
Living and reporting in Moscow today is akin to a precarious balancing act, likened to a circus artist navigating a tightrope over a minefield. The environment has become increasingly repressive since the invasion of Ukraine, creating a pressure similar to that experienced by deep-sea divers, where the depths of changing Russian society feel submerged and unfamiliar. Familiar landmarks, like the Bolshoi Theatre, now exist in a transformed reality where the journalist's usual perspectives have been drastically altered. The constant need to adjust one's reporting language, such as transitioning from 'special military operation' to 'war,' reflects this shifting context, highlighting the challenges of truth-telling in a landscape fraught with harsh legislation and potential repercussions for dissent.
Risks and Reporting Techniques
Reporting on the realities of Russia poses significant dangers, particularly for journalists operating under the oppressive regime. While foreign correspondents face risks, the situation is markedly more perilous for Russian journalists who have suffered arrests and other severe actions from the authorities. Maintaining an honest reporting style is essential, though it requires a careful approach to ensure personal safety and the ability to continue conveying the situation to audiences. Subtle techniques, such as framing statements in a way that emphasizes objectivity while addressing the stark truths of the political landscape, are necessary for navigating this tense environment effectively.
Fascination with Russian Culture
The interviewee's long-standing relationship with Russia has fostered not only professional insights but also a deep emotional connection with the culture and people. With over 25 years of experience in Russia, he recalls how political changes have shifted public engagement, contrasting the energized political discourse of the 1980s with the current climate of disillusionment. While his work often revolves around the Kremlin and its machinations, he expresses a wistfulness for the broader cultural narratives that have been overshadowed by contemporary geopolitical tensions. Despite the current restrictions on reporting cultural stories, he remains committed to documenting this complex society as it unfolds, striving to balance his passion for Russia with the realities faced under Putin's leadership.
After listener Margaret got in touch asking about Steve Rosenberg’s life in Moscow as the BBC’s Russia Editor, Nick and Amol sat down with him to find out how the country has changed over the years that he has lived there and what it’s like reporting from Russia now.
They talk about the challenges he faces, how he reports impartially and accurately on Vladimir Putin, how he relaxes and what it was like playing the piano for Mikhail Gorbachev.
To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you’ll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won’t miss our extra bonus episodes either.
GET IN TOUCH:
* Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346
* Email today@bbc.co.uk
The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor.
This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Nadia Gyane and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Nadia Gyane. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.
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