Estonian media concerned over independence of NTV

The Estonian Newspaper Association and the Association of Estonian Broadcasters express concern over the situation that has evolved around the private station NTV in neighbouring Russia. The takeover of the TV station by a state-funded company is alarming, and it makes it questionable whether
NTV can exercise editorial freedom.

We call on the authorities of the Russian Federation to act in a way that would guarantee the independence of a major media outlet, and we support the reporters of NTV in safeguarding the free media.

Estonian Newspaper Association,
Association of Estonian Broadcasters

Letter sent to:
Mr Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation
cc:; news agencies, newspapers, radio and TV stations

Additional information:
Estonian Newspaper Association, tel 00 372 646 1005, eall@eall.ee
Association of Estonian Broadcasters, tel 00 372 628 4112, erl@online.ee
The Estonian Newspaper Association unites 46 newspapers published in Estonia.
Association of Estonian Broadcasters unites 27 private TV and radio stations in Estonia.