Welcome to a book launch event hosted by Russian Media Lab: ‘Freedom of Expression in Russia’s New Mediasphere’ to celebrate the publishing of the project’s final book, published by Routledge, in December 2019. During the event we’ll held the open discussion and Q&A session with authors and editor of the book.
The event will take place on 16 December 2019, 17:00-19:00 at ThinkCorner (Yliopistonkatu 4, Helsinki). Registration is mandatory! https://elomake.helsinki.fi/lomakkeet/102253/lomake.html
This edited volume presents a multidisciplinary investigation of the freedom of expression in Russia today. The book interlaces its analyses of the freedom of expression with a critical study of Russia’s transnational media environment and of the contestations between an increasingly authoritarian state, media industries and citizens. The meaning of the term ‘new mediasphere’ in the book’s title, therefore, is twofold. First, by placing an emphasis on the ‘new’, it draws attention to the transformation of the Russian media system as traditional forms of publication and broadcasting give way to social media and user-produced content. Second, it indicates the volume’s focus on freedom of expression as it is manifested within the online sphere of new media.
The aim of the book is threefold. First, the contributions assess the current state of freedom of expression in Russia, focusing on online media. Second, the authors analyse the limits on and opportunities for free speech provided by online and social media. Finally, the volume examines how state-aligned media disseminate their content online and adopt new formats to keep audiences engaged. Going beyond an analysis of state control, this volume examines the experiences of citizens as well as those of media organisations and professionals. Contrary to most studies of the Russian media, the authors also look beyond news media to, for example, entertainment.
More info on publisher’s website:
https://www.routledge.com/Freedom-of-Expression-in-Russias-New-Mediasphere-1st-Edition/Wijermars-Lehtisaari/p/book/9781138346659