When was Izvestia founded and what does its name mean?
Izvestia was founded in February 1917 as a daily broadsheet newspaper. The word izvestiya translates to bring news or tidings.
Questions about Izvestia
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What was the full official name of Izvestia during the Soviet period?
The full name was Izvestija Sovjetov Narodnyh Djeputatov SSSR which means Reports of Soviets of Peoples' Deputies of the USSR. It served as the organ of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union instead of the Communist Party.
Who acquired control of Izvestia after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and when did Gazprom buy a stake?
A vast holding company owned by Vladimir Potanin acquired control following the collapse of communism. State-owned Gazprom purchased a controlling stake on the 3rd of June 2005.
Why did Raf Shakirov resign from his position as editor-in-chief of Izvestia?
Government officials disliked the paper's coverage of the Beslan school hostage crisis due to explicit photographs of the massacre. The Committee to Protect Journalists alleged that government pressure forced his departure.
When did Boris Yefimov die and what was his role at Izvestia?
Boris Yefimov worked as chief artist until his death on the 1st of October 2008. He was a centenarian illustrator who drew political cartoons for Joseph Stalin for decades.
What sanctions were applied to Izvestia in May 2024 and how does it describe itself now?
The European Union placed Izvestia on its sanctions list in May 2024 for spreading propaganda. The publication now describes itself as a national newspaper of Russia.