Dmitry Medvedev, first vice premier of Russia
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
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Putin Creates Media Mega-Controller
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin signed yesterday the decree to consolidate two federal services – the Federal Service for Telecom Supervision (Rossvyaznadzor) and Federal Mass Media and Cultural Heritage Oversight Service (Rosokhrankultura). So, the government will have a new body to supervise vehicles of data dissemination along with the content.
Having combined authorities of two services – Rossvyaznadzor and Rosokhrankultura, Vladimir Putin created a new body – the Federal Service for Supervision of Mass Media, Telecommunication and for Cultural Heritage Protection.
The purpose to attain is “to improve efficiency of government’s activities for cultural heritage protection” and “to eliminate interdepartmental contradictions and administrative barriers en route of IT advance in Russia and to ease the system of their control,” said representatives of the government’s news service.
But informal explanation for closing ranks of two services was a bit different. With the function of supervising all media, TV/radio frequencies and all other types of telecommunication, a new service is a resource that could hardly be neglected, a source with the RF Government’s Office said off-the-record.
The new service will be very influential in media and telecom businesses and in political issues. In response to some technical and content claims, it may suspend activities related to all types of communication, including the printed and e-media and broadcasters. Moreover, the service will keep the personal data register of Russia’s citizens. So, the matter at stake is creating a media mega-controller actually.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Mar. 13, 2007
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