Izvestia
February 1917 marked the birth of Izvestia, a daily broadsheet newspaper in Russia. The word izvestiya translates to bring news or tidings. It emerged as an official messenger bringing information during a turbulent time. This publication covered foreign relations from its earliest days. It became the organ of the Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union. The full name was Izvestija Sovjetov Narodnyh Djeputatov SSSR. That phrase means Reports of Soviets of Peoples' Deputies of the USSR. An old logo used two letters no longer found in modern Russian language. These characters disappeared after reforms of Russian orthography took hold.
During the Soviet period, Pravda served as the official mouthpiece of the Communist Party. Izvestia expressed the official views of the Soviet government instead. The Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR published these views. This distinction separated it from party organs while keeping state control tight. The newspaper disseminated official state propaganda throughout decades of existence. Its role remained consistent until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Readers received government perspectives through its daily pages. The publication functioned as a bridge between state decisions and public knowledge. No other outlet held this specific position within the Soviet media landscape.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, ownership shifted dramatically. A vast holding company owned by Vladimir Potanin acquired control. This entity maintained close ties with the Russian government. On the 3rd of June 2005, state-owned Gazprom purchased a controlling stake. The paper then entered the Gazprom Media holding structure. Circulation figures rose during this transition period. As of 2005, circulation reached 240,967 copies. TNS Gallup Media certified 371,000 copies in 2007. In 2008, Gazprom Media sold Izvestia to National Media Group. These changes reflected broader shifts in Russian media ownership patterns after communism fell.
Raf Shakirov served as editor-in-chief of Izvestia before his forced resignation. Government officials disliked the paper's coverage of the Beslan school hostage crisis. Explicit photographs of the massacre appeared in the publication. Other sources stated Potanin asked him to leave for fear the Kremlin would be riled. The Committee to Protect Journalists alleged the government forced his departure. Attacks on media freedom occurred in Europe and Central Asia around that time. The newspaper faced pressure from multiple angles during these years. Shakirov's removal highlighted tensions between editorial independence and state interests.
Boris Yefimov worked as chief artist until his death on the 1st of October 2008. He was a centenarian illustrator who had drawn political cartoons for Joseph Stalin. His tenure spanned decades of Soviet history. The Izvestia Trophy ice hockey tournament bore the newspaper's name between 1969 and 1996. Nedelya operated as the weekend supplement of Izvestia. These cultural elements connected the publication to broader Russian society beyond politics. Yefimov's work represented a unique bridge between art and state messaging. His longevity allowed him to witness massive historical transformations firsthand.
In May 2024, the European Union accused the newspaper of spreading propaganda. Authorities placed it on their sanctions list. This action followed allegations regarding its role in disseminating official narratives. The paper now describes itself as a national newspaper of Russia. Archives exist covering periods from 1951 through 1989 via Arcanum Newspapers. Digital resources preserve articles from 1917 to 2024 through various platforms. English translations appear at nonprofit WorldMeets.US. The publication continues operating despite international scrutiny and domestic pressures. Its status reflects ongoing debates about media freedom in modern Russia.
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Common questions
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.
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.