Media
Russia’s RT network on the rise as VOA fades
The clash between the Trump administration and Voice of America continues. In March, an executive order was issued to eliminate VOA’s supervising agency. Since then, VOA has been slashed and has cut down operations while also challenging the executive order in court. But as VOA shrinks, Russian news agencies targeting international audiences are growing.
The rocky road to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the biggest performing arts festival in the world, and it has catapulted the work of some artists to the West End, Broadway and television. But the road to the festival is also littered with stories of career-ending performances, mental health distress and financial ruin.
Venezuelans are finding creative ways to bypass censorship and a government crackdown on the media
The Venezuelan government has ramped up an intimidation campaign against opposition activists and the media since last month’s presidential election. Now, some people are trying to find creative ways to bypass the censorship.
Venezuelans head to the polls on Sunday with many hoping for a change in leadership
This Sunday, there’s a crucial presidential election in Venezuela that has brought high hopes for change. The country’s authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro is seeking reelection. During his 11-year rule, the country’s economy collapsed, repression escalated and millions of people left, contributing to a migrant surge across Latin America and the United States. According to most polls, Maduro is not a popular president, but it’s not clear if he will give up power if he loses.
Media outlets in Russia react to Biden dropping out of US presidential race
US President Joe Biden’s announcement to step out of the presidential election elicited a burst of mockery in Russian state media. But analysts say that these messages reveal a lot more about Russian politics than the US democratic system.
Wall Street Journal reporter sentenced to 16-year prison term in Russia
Evan Gershkovich, a US reporter for The Wall Street Journal, was sentenced in Moscow court on July 19 to 16 years in prison on espionage charges. The Wall Street Journal and the US government have called this a “sham trial” and vehemently deny the charges. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports on the plight of Gershkovich and other Americans detained in Russia on baseless charges.