Following independent journalists fighting for free press in Russia - Fresh Air Recap
Podcast: Fresh Air
Published: 2026-02-05
Duration: 44 minutes
Guests: Julia Loktev, Kevin Whitehead
Summary
Julia Loktev's documentary 'My Undesirable Friends' chronicles the challenges faced by independent journalists in Russia under increasing governmental pressure, especially after the invasion of Ukraine. The episode also includes a review of Miles Davis's innovative performances at The Plugged Nickel in 1965.
What Happened
Julia Loktev's documentary, 'My Undesirable Friends,' offers a raw and intimate look at the lives of young independent journalists in Russia who are navigating the treacherous waters of free press under Vladimir Putin's regime. With the resurgence of the 'Foreign Agent' label, journalists are forced to stamp government disclaimers on their work and declare their expenses, making independent journalism a perilous endeavor. As the Russian government cracked down on dissent, over 100 individuals and outlets were labeled as foreign agents by the end of 2021, leaving many journalists with the grim choice of exile or imprisonment.
The documentary highlights the personal stories of journalists like Anya, a novelist and writer, and Edic, a TV Rain anchor associated with Navalny who was arrested. Many of these journalists, mostly women in their 20s and 30s, continue to work under the threat of arrest or worse, as calling the war a 'war' is illegal in Russia. Loktev, who filmed much of the documentary on an iPhone, captures both the fear and resilience of these journalists.
Despite the oppressive environment, some journalists find meaning in their struggle, akin to the myth of Sisyphus, as Edic poignantly notes. The film also features a protest song by the band Porne Filme, which serves as a form of resistance against Putin's regime, underscoring the creative ways journalists and artists are pushing back against censorship.
In stark contrast to the current media landscape in Russia, the episode also revisits a historical moment in jazz history with Kevin Whitehead's review of Miles Davis's 1965 performances at The Plugged Nickel in Chicago. Despite his medical issues, Davis, along with Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, and others, delivered groundbreaking performances that blended structured and free jazz elements, challenging traditional notions of music.
The recordings from The Plugged Nickel were unreleased for decades but are now recognized for their innovation. The drummer, Tony Williams, played a crucial role in pushing the band toward 'anti-music,' leading to a new level of creativity and spontaneity in their performances. Kevin Whitehead's review highlights how Davis's ability to work around his limitations contributed to his enduring greatness.
This episode of 'Fresh Air' paints a vivid picture of the struggle for journalistic freedom in modern-day Russia while also celebrating a pivotal moment in jazz history, showcasing the transformative power of both journalism and music in challenging times.
Key Insights
- By the end of 2021, over 100 individuals and media outlets in Russia were labeled as 'foreign agents,' forcing them to disclose funding and mark their content with government disclaimers, significantly hindering independent journalism.
- Calling the conflict in Ukraine a 'war' is illegal in Russia, leading to severe consequences for journalists who defy this restriction, including potential arrest and imprisonment.
- Julia Loktev's documentary 'My Undesirable Friends' was primarily filmed on an iPhone, capturing the personal and professional challenges faced by young independent journalists in Russia.
- Miles Davis's 1965 performances at The Plugged Nickel in Chicago, initially unreleased, are now celebrated for their innovative blend of structured and free jazz, with drummer Tony Williams pushing the band toward a new level of creativity.