Online Talks, the co-operative lecture series by TaRC and the Russian Media Lab (University of Helsinki), is back for the penultimate session for the academic year 2024/5!
On Tuesday 8 April, we will hear from the Reuters Institute Journalist Fellow Maria Kiseleva, who will present her research on the challenges faced by Russian journalists in exile — how these challenges influence their editorial decisions, and the methods they use to stay connected with their audiences.
Since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, hundreds of Russian journalists have gone into exile, facing censorship and the challenge of rebuilding independent media abroad.
This talk explores the transformation of Russian journalism over the past three years — how exiled media navigate legal constraints, adapt to audience shifts, and redefine their role while being physically distant from Russia. The presentation also discusses the Russian government’s repressive tactics and public perceptions of independent media inside Russia.
Speaker bio:
Maria Kiseleva is a producer at Current Time (part of RFE/RL). She has worked as a correspondent and producer for leading media outlets across print, online platforms, podcasts, and YouTube for over 10 years. Previously, she was a journalist at BBC Russian Service, covering environmental issues, economics, and political protests in Russia.
After relocating to Riga in 2022, she shifted her focus to topics such as the recent wave of Russian emigration and the economic aftermath of the full-scale invasion. At the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, Maria researches the experiences of independent Russian journalists in exile.
Event info:
This Online Talk will be held on Zoom on Tuesday 8 April 2025, 12.00–13.30 Finnish time (GMT+3). Discussion will be moderated by Dr Olga Dovbysh (University of Helsinki).
Participation in the event requires registration. Please register via this link before 23.45 Finnish time on Sunday 6 April 2025.