10/09/2008 / RUSSIA
Censorship - live on Russian TV
Could the Kremlin censor an entertainment programme on live TV? According to Russian bloggers, that's exactly what happened on one of the country's national television channels.
The programme, "Phenomenon," aired on the state-run Rossiya channel on Sept. 5. In the live broadcast, Russian magician and self-styled psychic Alexander Char played a version of the children's game Cluedo, telling the audience that the details of a murder were in a safe. Then he asked three audience members to name first a weapon, then a place, then the person who committed the crime.
The first guinea pig in the audience chose a knife, the second, Munich, and third, after much hesitation... "Putin." An assistant wrote the details on a board: Putin, in Munich, with a knife. The scenario apparently didn't please the show's producers, and a man in a suit, wearing a headset, rushes onto the stage to tell the psychic to remove the name from the list. But it can't be done, spluttered the presenter, there's nothing to rub it out with. What follows is an extraordinary scene, with the man in the suit barking orders from offstage while the presenters try to explain themselves, until the name Putin is removed by the nervous-looking assistant and replaced with simply "Vladimir".
The scene seems as if it could have been staged: the man in the suit makes such a dramatic entry, and his microphone is open to the audience. That was our team's first reaction when they saw the video sent by our Russian observers. However many Russian journalists we spoke to confrimed that the scene was broadcast on Russian TV. So we decided to go ahead and publish this video, fully understanding how unlikely or unbelievable this incident is. Our Russian observers also told us that Russian television networks are all controlled by the authorities.
UPDATE (12 September 2008 - 2pm): Following some further research and comments posted on this piece, we can confirm that the man who intervenes onstage is a co-presenter. That explains why he has a microphone. It looks like a case of auto-censoring on the part of the co-presenter.
We additionally found out that the show was also aired in eastern Russia, later then the live version in Moscow. In that show, the scene in question had disappeared - something else that seems to support the idea that the censorship was live.
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"We should change his last name"
The subtitles were added by France 24. That's why the France 24 logo appears on the video. The subtitles begin at 00:30.
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Putin and his marionette
Submitted by qazza (not verified) on Fri, 12/09/2008 - 22:39.If you think that Russia is democratic, you have big mistake. There are NO one TV channel that doesn't get instructions and censorship from Kremlin. Situation even worse then 10 years ago. Free elections in Russia nowdays is illusion, They simply doesn't allow democratic candidants who have any chances to participate in elections. Putin's Russia is autocratic country and Medvedev his marionette.
Unregistered user
"If you think that Russia is
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 13:55."If you think that Russia is democratic, you have big mistake."
Of course. The same go with USA or any other country. In reality the only place true democracy ever existed, if ever, was Athens 3 centuries before the Christ
"There are NO one TV channel that doesn't get instructions and censorship from Kremlin."
Exactly. The same way as there is no major media in US without control of those who control the White House. It is even easy to see that almost all of them are owned by few, extremely rich, that control that house.
"Situation even worse then 10 years ago."
I copletely agree especially after they introduced deregulation of media in USA dus allowing few rich to dominate information domain. Was the son of general Pawel responsible for that law?
"Free elections in Russia nowdays is illusion, They simply doesn't allow democratic candidants who have any chances to participate in elections."
This is nonses. No-one was forbidden to participate. And according to every poll analysis done by any world agency Putin had extremely hign approval rate.
"Putin's Russia is autocratic country and Medvedev his marionette."
W
hat would you thing about Bush America. Or is it Dick's America.... I am confused,... Who is there who's marionette?
What is the chance of anyone who has no support of coorporative capital and media to win... If Russia is authocracy, and there are really elemnts of this, is America oligarhy of few rich. And what about education in USA where almost 80% people belive that Sarah knows issues on international relations simply because Alaska is close to Russia, that McCain is more experienced then Obama in same subject and at the same time they canot show Germany, or Ukraine or Brazil on the map of the World. How the hell they come to that concluion?
How can you have real democracy with people who are supposed to elect and know so few.... Based on what they choose?
I am nice will help you. They choose based on DOCTRINE or PERUSASION created by MEDIA. Those Political Analysts are nothing but OPINION MAKERS who do that for god chunk of money. If you spice it with a bit of good old FEAR there you go..
Yes Russia is behind the France of Germany in respect of democracy, but nealry that much as suggested. With respect to USA, I really doubt.
Unregistered user
Kremlin propaganda
Submitted by Rio (not verified) on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 15:02.You can write this Kremlin propaganda to Russians and may be they believe you, because many of them get brain wash every day on every possible way, mostly they don't know that can be other opinion. But we, free people know exactly that all European countries and US have totally free tv and radio stations, free newspapers and internet sites. Every journalist can criticize Bush or Sarkozy. Of cause in Russia it's the same, everyone can criticize......Bush or Sarkozy. But if he criticize Putin or his marionette he will get bullet in the head like dozens of journalist that was killed in Russia.
Unregistered user
Rio, judging by your strong
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 16:39.Rio, judging by your strong accent and knowledge of Russian jokes, you not so long ago go in white trousers (as all inhabitants of Rio) and use a freedom of speech:)))
Igor Frolov
You can start working for KGB
Submitted by Rio (not verified) on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 18:02.Maybe they need patriot suckers like you, who trust them.
Unregistered user
It's not censorship. The
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Fri, 12/09/2008 - 14:21.It's not censorship. The surname of the prime minister is used in a context of a certain crime - "Putin has committed a crime with a knife in Munich ". This is insult, therefore there was a nervousness. Surprisingly another - who has started up in the air of the obvious provoker with the person of the American preacher and with the thought over and prepared provocation?
True censorship exists today in the West. And you, misters journalists, perfectly know it. Can you fairly write, for example, about a role of Russia in the Second World War, about that, how many the Soviet people were lost, releasing Europe from fascism, that allies have opened the second front only when have understood - the USSR has already won Germany and can extend the influence on all Europe. It and many other things (including aggression of Georgia) - a taboo subject for your news media. And you speak - censorship... It's ridiculously.
Igor Frolov
What happened?
Submitted by Kim Hansen (not verified) on Sat, 13/09/2008 - 10:53.Yes, what happened to Mr. Igor Frolov? Did he suffer from an inner meltdown of the size of the Tjernobyl.
What the fuck, pardon my french, has World War II to do with this censorship on a direct TV-show???
You are right in one thing. We do see censorship in the western medias too, mostly done by mental neanderthals. And from my point of view, people who tries to control medias everywhere are mental neanderthals no matter where they come from on this box. Consider yourself as such. There is no doubt that Putin is a murder. So, what´s the problem by using this issue in an entertainment program, now that we all know it already? I realy cannot see the problem.
You see, here from where I come from, our primeminister was scetched in a featurefilm as a homosexual, which he is. He just doesn´t want to admit it. But does that lead to censorship? No, of course not. Art, medias and opinions are free here, and I think it has to go hand in hand with a democracy, if not, you could never talk about a free democracy. So, think about that instead World War II, it´s long gone pal.
Unregistered user
The dear friend, understand,
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Sat, 13/09/2008 - 15:54.The dear friend, understand, at last, anywhere is not free democracy. The capital (not a city but money:) has transformed all of you into herd which it cuts, milks and cuts. And all it becomes under the democracy slogan. Who has money - he has a power. And all other slogans about a freedom of speech and democracy - it's for idiots. And your media do these idiots, creating visibility of a freedom of speech in insignificant occasions. But on key problems which are dangerous to the power, your media will not tell truths never.
Igor Frolov
Release from fascism?
Submitted by Maya weiner (not verified) on Sat, 13/09/2008 - 04:12.Russians claim that only they fought against in Germany.Why you Russians never say beside you there were different nationalities?French partisans did less?or nobody fought? And how about Americans?Italians?Ukrainians?Armenians?Belorussians?Georgians?Kazakh?and so on?
Russians fought different my grandfather was telling stories that Russian were dressed in Germans uniform and going to villages and burning Ukrainian people houses and killing children and blame Germans to inspire hate,show how Germans were brutal to make more aggressive fight against Germans.
And at the end Russians conquered Poland,Germany and took over Hitlers possition.
How about Chechnia?Blame on Chechen people when Putin order to blow up 2 buildings in Moscow?In Noth Ossetia in "Beslan" they killed 1000 kids in school?Blame Chachen?and then genoside Chechen people.How about Abkhasians and Osetians in 1992 killed and telling to Abkhazians and Osetians as if were Georgians to made them to hate each other.So Russians always has been dictators and KGB sole.
Unregistered user
Maya is absolutely ritght.
Submitted by Manana Machavariani (not verified) on Sun, 14/09/2008 - 21:27.Maya is absolutely ritght.
Unregistered user
Yes, Germans were kind, they
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Sat, 13/09/2008 - 08:49.Yes, Germans were kind, they bore to the people of Europe and the USSR clearing and a civilisation. And the malicious Russian bear has destroyed hopes the freedom-loving and Germany-loving people.
Now about a role of Russian. I have written and about the USSR as the Russian empire, and its all people struggled with fascism. But in the West in history textbooks it's told that America with allies has won. And soon children in the West will know that Stalin and Hitler were at war against the West and have been won by it.
And war in the Chechen Republic is Berezovsky's handwork and its boss, the western special services. There are records of negotiations of Berezovsky and Basayev, there is Berezovsky's concealment in England, there is a polonium which have given to drink to the appointed victim, there is Politkovskaya whom in Putin's birthday have killed (influence on children's mind of the western inhabitant).
...An explosions of houses. It's the western style, the western scenarios. Nero has set fire to Rome, nazis have set fire to Reichstag... And towers-twins have cynically taken down those who has then begun expansion on the East and have sunk in it as in a bog now.
But to you, Maya, to convince it is useless, because yours grandfather saw the truth and has told to you.
Probably, Russian soldiers having changed clothes in the form of the Georgian army, destroyed the South Ossetia? Yes, fascists were kinder than communists. As now Americans are kinder than Russian. Therefore furious Russia again will win. It will enslave all free world and will oppress it;)))
Igor Frolov
Rubbish collection
Submitted by oone (not verified) on Fri, 12/09/2008 - 22:59.You shamelessly speak about Second World War? How much Russians know or ever heard about Normandy battle? Did it mentioned in any history school book in your enlightened country? Things that you wrote about "USSR won Germany without USA and allies" it's known historical lie tale and rubbish that you learned in russian school and we know how wrote this history.
How much brave journalists killed every year in Russia? The answer is DOZENS. How many free TV stations do you have? The answer is ZERO. How many opinions you hear on TV? The answer is ONE(Kremlin opinion). Did you hear one bad opinion on Putin or his marionettes on TV? The answer is NEVER.
Putin's Russia has tenebrous regime and you part of it.
Unregistered user
"You shamelessly speak about
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Sun, 14/09/2008 - 18:01."You shamelessly speak about Second World War? How much Russians know or ever heard about Normandy battle?"
We since the childhood knew about heroic French pilots of a regiment "Normandy-Neman" and knew in general about merits of allies. But they have entered war in 1944 when the USSR has already broken a ridge of fascism. I can remind about defeat at Ardenness when the Soviet army had to go to the aid of allies.
"Things that you wrote about" USSR won Germany without USA and allies "it's known historical lie"
Look, how you quote my text which can be read on this page. In my text there are no such words. Means you are an ordinary sharper. I recognise merits of the western soldiers at war with fascism, but heads of the western states always were engaged in political gamble.
Igor Frolov
Another rubbish collection
Submitted by oone (not verified) on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 11:42.I know exactly what was wroten in Soviet school books about WWII. They didn't mention part of the allies in the war. Furthermore fact that you don't really like and also didn't mention in Soviet books is Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. Your country betrayed Britain and France and all other free countries. Furthermore they betrayed "brother slav" Poland. Moreover did your country helped anyone? Did you helped to UK when London was bombed, did you help jews in extermination camps, did you help to US in Japan ??? In this war you defended only your ass in Kursk, Smolensk, Minsk...because you didn't have other choice. And, Yes, you got help from US, without their food, weapon, arms you couldn't beat nazis.
And something personal: you are not free journalist as maybe you think, you are the part of Kremlin propaganda mashine that based on 90% lies and you eat what they prepared to you as is.
Unregistered user
Only one example - Osventsim
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Tue, 16/09/2008 - 10:58.Only one example - Osventsim in whom 4,5 million person has been exterminated , - it has been released by the Soviet army. Also remember, - Hitler has been created by hands of England and its European friends. About Italy do not forget - Mussolini. And in territories of the countries grasped by Hitler (all Europe) did the weapon for his army and this weapon were at war with the USSR.
Pact R-М has been concluded to remove war, to detain Hitler, to create a buffer zone. It is interesting, where there would be now Poland - and all Europe - not be the USSR? Slaves of the Third Reich?
More shortly: if you do not feel a lawful gratitude to the Russia which have rescued Europe I will speak more rigidly. The victory is completely a merit of the USSR. Allies have accelerated victory arrival, but in the mercenary purposes - they have been disturbed that we all Europe under the control take. For this reason, nazis surrendered to allies almost without fight, and the rests of forces threw on East front. Europe constrained Russia by German hands. And it was after Europe has untied Hitler's hands in hope that he and Stalin will destroy each other. And I am not the free journalist. "To live in a society and to be free from a society it is impossible". (Lenin):))) Remember, if yet do not know, - idiots are completely free only. And the West is infantile today to extreme degree, it is very close to full freedom:)))
Igor Frolov
How to see full version?
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Fri, 12/09/2008 - 07:32.I would like to see the end of tis case- Vladimir Putin. Who is he? and what did he do- and what kind of crime scene? So exciting. Where to find it.
I like to watch this, great show. He is good entertainer. Now they got his both front and surname.
Unregistered user
Almost unbelievable
Submitted by Como Emagrecer (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 13:27.It's crazy to see something like that happen on this day and age! The guy looked very nervous. The funny thing is, instead of writing only the surname, the ended up writing the whole name!
Unregistered user
censor, not censure
Submitted by rjbs (not verified) on Wed, 10/09/2008 - 17:20.To censure is "to rebuke" or "to indict." You meant "censor."
Unregistered user
Thanks rjbs. We're
Submitted by Team Observers on Wed, 10/09/2008 - 17:27.Thanks rjbs. We're correcting this mistake.
Team Observers
The game rule states that
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 02:20.The game rule states that they should use first names. So what's wrong with that? Do not also forget that they have their own culture that people should respect.
Unregistered user
Oh please stop refer all
Submitted by Russian citizen (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 13:58.Oh please stop refer all censorship and absence of democracy and killings of journalists and opposition figures to the "culture". I am Russian and live in Russia and there is nothing "cultural" in the fear of Putin unless you want to say that slavery is natural to Slavic people - I hope you didn't mean that. Current political regime in Russia is very oppressive and TV is under heavy control.
Unregistered user
MEDIA
Submitted by Jon Dear (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 18:06.Not to be long
1.) It is not noraml to use president last name on TV in that form. I would really like to see that on French TV in case of Sarkozy
2.) On media on foregin affairs. I read russina media, mostly Pravda and Voice of Russia, as I read France 24, Euronews, BBC, MSNBC and CNN... not to bother with others
I completely failed to understand what makes BBC more objective then Russian media like Pravda. It is extremely clear that BBC is following policy of their goverment on foreign afairs as well as Pravda of its own.
3.) Regardins internal afairs it is hard to fail recognizing harsh critics in MSNBC on goverment while. Some you can find in Pravda but not much in Voice of Russia
However, if you look approval rate and perfroamnce of Russia last 8 years comparing to USA or France it will be easy to understand why.
4.) The fact that one media makes more lies, e.g FOX against CNN does not mean that is more successful is lying. This is something comunist never got and lost war on propaganda. best manipulation is mix of sufficent lie and thruth to achive gol. To much lie and it becomes descoverd dus failure
5.) When media are critical in West they always support one fo 2 parites. Since parites agenda does not differ much it in total does not get much better then Russi
6.) The perfect lie requres funds, faces, lineage of recognition, admiration and grandur. E.g. no family, bank or even enterprize can lie so successfully for such a long time with so pashionate listeners as Roman Catolic Church, Islam, even Ortodox and Prostestant church. Compering Russia and USA, or Russia and EU it is easy to see who is stronger, with stronger funds, linegde of sucessful and colorful media, selebrities.... How many Europeans still had and some still have illussions on USA, sometime predgudies based solemny on Holywood backgrounds of an Holywood movies (Coca Cola, Jeans, Life stile... That's Americ)
So summary:
1. It is not normal to have TV sentence of killing the president. It's a bad taste
2. It is fact that Russian media are far from perfect
3. It is also fact that none of big countries media is significatly better
Unregistered user
HEHE how wrong you are
Submitted by søren (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 21:03.Please dont waste anymore of our time Mr Russian Parlament Representative
with your cheap bought propaganda . f.... asshole!!
Unregistered user
It is obvious that comment made by Russian
Submitted by Maya Weiner (not verified) on Sun, 14/09/2008 - 08:10.Mr. Soren I am very impressed that you can scan Russian KGB demagogues.
Russians now get access to West countries and they trying to brain wash with their dirty political thoughts.
Unregistered user
Maya, your surname is
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Sun, 14/09/2008 - 18:13.Maya, your surname is similar to the German. Tell me all the same, whence your grandfather knew about atrocities of the Soviet soldiers in the German form? He was the suffered Ukrainian or was at war in Hitlerite army or was at war in the Soviet army?
Igor Frolov
"Maya, your surname is
Submitted by Jon Dear (not verified) on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 14:20."Maya, your surname is similar to the German."
This is nice question if you want to test your awarenes of the World and its differences. However, if it is relevant for the matter of debate then it is something very wrong to ask.
The problem is not her origin. Germans are great nation and even in the time of WWII Russian were charishing 2 of them, if I spell it good Marx and Engls....
Problem with Mayra is not that she is German, if she is at all, but that she is an IDIOT and with such an etnicity based comments you are close to qualify for the same position. You are still not there because you try to put soem reasoning in what you say, but you must stay away from those remarks...
I would not like to go deeply into WWII because it is not the subject of this. However, apart Germans and Japanise I do belive that all other powers of that war very much fought with wrong agenda. British for their rasisticly based Empire, Americans for their Economic domination and also they very much deal with Hitler before 1939, Stalin did deals with Hitler too, but when Germans teanks roar closer to Moskow he suddenly become Anti-Fashist.
However, I cannot fail to admire havy contribution and sacrefice of people of those nations who fought against Hitler, simple solders and people yes but not leaders...
German leaders aggenda in that war, that was worse particulary because of desire to destroy nations (Jews and in certain extent Slavs) cannot be used as cover up for other agendas of other Powers. They never fought for what they claim but they fought for their selfish interests.... Because if they did, they would start figting Hitler way before 1939, they would not arm him and in certain extnet support him throughout 30's
So let's leave German people who also havily suffered in that MAD WAR. As every nation thay did bad thing but hardly any nation did so much good to the world.
I can agree that new analysis of WWII on west shoudl inded show more respect to Russia and other Soviet people secrafice.
Unregistered user
I have asked a question on a
Submitted by Igor Frolov on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 16:49.I have asked a question on a German origin to understand, whence the grandfather knows about atrocities of the Soviet armies in Ukraine. I am not the nationalist, I am the internationalist. And to Germans I have no claims.
Igor Frolov
I call him KING and I am his Queen (Or I call him BIG DADY and .
Submitted by Unregistered user (not verified) on Sun, 14/09/2008 - 15:26.I call him KING and I am his Queen (Or I call him BIG DADY and he calls me BIG MAMA :---DDDDD
We think the same, we know nothing but "YOU ARE SO BRILLIANT" :-DDDDD
Ah mama mia, .... This was so funny......
BRAVO for SOREN , SOREN for PRESIDENT... He cannot be worse he previous one :-DDD
Unregistered user
:-D
Submitted by John Dear (not verified) on Thu, 11/09/2008 - 22:54.And here come example
Just one statment revels mind shaped by media. Lets quote:
"...Mr Russian Parlament Representative.." finshed with "...your cheap bought propaganda . f.... asshole!!
..."
Well I am not Russian, have never been there though I would really like go there. Few Russian I met havily overcommed "fee media" Americans, and British(who are way better then first) in terms of edjucation and awarenes of the real world. Let me just quote that many americans with University Degree consider Orthodox Christians as "some kind of Muslims" while "Catholics are according to them not Christians because they do not belive in Christ but Virgin Marry". Not to mention georaphy, history... Disaster.... And those will "free elect" and withouth a shame say they chose one over the other candidate becasuse he is more experienced in Foreigh Relations.... because Alaska is Closer to Russia then Illinois :-D ..
So, this might be source of such a comment full of anger and nothing more I got
Secondly, why I could not be Venezuelan, Bolivian, Zimbavian, Nicaraguian, Chineze, Nort Corean, Cuban, Sudani, Sout African, Brazilian, Argentinian, Indian, Iranian, Pakistani, Belarussian, Ukraian, Iraqui, Avgani, Vietnam, Equadorian
even French, Egiptian, Italian, ... German comunist, Greek, Somali, Libian, Lebanize, Sirian.... oh too long.... Parlament Representative...
He must hate them all equaly....
I personaly know French, Argentianins, Kenyans, Mexicans, Bangadeshi, Italians, Spaniards, Marocans, Paraguains, Canadians, Ukranians... and many other who thinks the same way
Or I can simply be Canadian, even American... but not Parlament member...
Well lets use some references:
Manufacturing Consent - Movie made in Canada. Almost never showed on many western media espeial American and Engish.. but many others
Myth on Liberal Media - USA/Canada... same story
There are many others...
Richar Moore speeches on Democrats and Republicans as "almost the same"
Some profesors from Columbia University New York, some ex media people who could not do it more.... Even some Congresmens ...
Because, this thins he coul never see these things, and probably does not know for many of mentioned countries....
It is easier with Black-White world. If you are not with us you are F... OTHER where OTHER can take any of previosly mentioned countries
My dear Soren. Thanks for being EXCELENT ILLUSTRATION on the subject. I also took some liberty to waste some more of your time and those you are legaly represent :-D
Besos y Abrazos!!! :-D
Unregistered user
John Dear You mast learn an English writing
Submitted by Maya weiner (not verified) on Sun, 14/09/2008 - 09:00.You talking what kind an education have Americans?It doesn't matter,one thing I can see that you are worth writer I've ever seen, not educated in English.Your spelling is on -O! You even don't know how to use dictionary and I'm sure that you're Russian and you sitting somewhere in Russia's an abandoned place maybe in "Tundra" and using old version computer which has no spelling check options.
And stop making KGB school comments under the stolen American name.
Unregistered user