The Global Story:The tightrope of reporting in Putin’s Russia - Global News Podcast Recap

Podcast: Global News Podcast

Published: 2026-02-22

Duration: 28 minutes

Guests: Steve Rosenberg

Summary

Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor, discusses the challenges and intricacies of reporting from Russia amidst an intense crackdown on free speech, especially since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

What Happened

Steve Rosenberg, the BBC's Russia editor, reflects on his long career reporting from Moscow, particularly in the face of increasing restrictions on press freedom since the invasion of Ukraine. Despite many Western media organizations leaving Russia, Rosenberg chose to stay, driven by his fascination with the country and desire to witness its ongoing story. He recounts his initial interest in Russia sparked by a BBC Russian language course in 1980, which eventually led him to study the language and move to Moscow as a teacher just as the Soviet Union was collapsing.

Rosenberg explains the significant changes in Russia following Vladimir Putin's rise to power, contrasting Yeltsin's approach to media criticism with Putin's more authoritarian style. He notes that while some seeds of the current situation were sown in the 1990s, Putin's leadership marked a clear shift towards centralizing power and stifling dissent.

The episode details the impact of the 2022 invasion of Ukraine on media operations, with new laws penalizing dissent and forcing the BBC to pause broadcasting temporarily. Rosenberg describes the chilling effect on journalists, as many contributors ceased communication, and the once bustling BBC Moscow bureau became a quiet space.

Despite the challenging environment, Rosenberg insists that it's still possible to grasp the public mood in Russia by asking indirect questions, though he avoids topics that could endanger interviewees. He observes a growing fatigue among Russians towards the war, exacerbated by personal losses and economic sanctions.

Rosenberg shares his experience of questioning Putin at press conferences, preparing meticulously to ensure his questions are impactful. He describes Putin as confident and deeply resentful of the West, with a focus on the war and a belief that Russia has been wronged by Western powers.

Reflecting on his career, Rosenberg expresses a desire to continue reporting from Russia to see how the story unfolds, despite recognizing the precariousness of his position. He acknowledges the extremes of Russian society, where public sentiment can rapidly shift, and personal encounters can range from hostility to warmth.

Rosenberg concludes with an anecdote about being compared to a squirrel by a Russian TV host, yet notes that many Russians he meets on the street are supportive of his work. This underscores the contradictions within Russia and the complexities of reporting there.

Key Insights

• Steve Rosenberg's career in Moscow began with a BBC Russian language course in 1980, a passion that saw him move to Russia as a teacher during the Soviet Union's collapse, illustrating how early interests can shape lifelong paths in unexpected ways.
• The transformation in Russia's media landscape since Vladimir Putin's rise is stark, with Boris Yeltsin's era allowing media criticism, while Putin's leadership centralized power and curtailed dissent, showing how leadership styles can drastically alter press freedom.
• The 2022 invasion of Ukraine introduced laws that penalize dissent, forcing the BBC to temporarily pause broadcasting in Russia, exemplifying how geopolitical events can directly impact media operations and journalistic freedom.
• Despite the risks, Rosenberg finds ways to gauge Russian public sentiment by asking indirect questions, as direct inquiries could endanger respondents, highlighting the delicate balance journalists must maintain in restrictive environments.

Key Questions Answered

What challenges does Steve Rosenberg face as a journalist in Russia?

Steve Rosenberg faces significant challenges like government censorship, constant surveillance, and the risk of being labeled as propaganda. Despite this, he remains committed to reporting the truth while navigating these obstacles.

How has Vladimir Putin's leadership affected press freedom in Russia?

Under Vladimir Putin, press freedom in Russia has significantly declined, with increased censorship and media control. His leadership focuses on centralizing power and silencing dissent, especially post the Ukraine invasion.

Why did many Western media organizations leave Russia after 2022?

Following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many Western media organizations left Russia due to new repressive laws targeting dissent and criticism, making it increasingly dangerous for journalists to operate there.