Alexeï Venediktov, Chief Editor of the Radio Echo of Moscow since 1998, introduced the second debate which addressed freedom of expression and the role of free and independent media in strengthening democratic security in Europe.

Freedom of expression is one of the essential components of democracy. Yet information flows have significantly changed during the past decade, with the internet having fundamentally altered the media landscape.

In his lecture on the importance of free and independent media, Alexey Venediktov explains the risks that the internet age represents for the authenticity and reliability of the news and information we receive, as well as for the accountability of its authors. Whether intentional or not, misinformation can have harmful consequences for democratic security, as the line between misinformation and propaganda becomes ever finer.

In the context of present-day Russia, Venediktov sketches an overview of the waning freedom of the media landscape and highlighting the increasingly important role of bloggers. Such a chaotic reality, in Venediktov’s eyes, with its censorship and self-censorship, seriously threatens to undermine democratic security.

Alexeï Venediktov has been journalist for many years. He is an attentive and independent commentator on Russia’s political scene.

His introduction was followed by a lively questions & replies session with the audience, during which a number of issues were addressed, including the situation of media in Russia.

  Video recording of the debate