15.05.2023 Media industry
Russian Propaganda. Debunk.org Report on Moscow's Disinformation Scale
BARD, PAP Mediaroom
In 2022, the Russian Federation allocated approximately 143 billion rubles to mass media (equivalent to 1.9 billion US dollars), exceeding the planned budget by 25%. For the current year, the Kremlin's budget for this sector is set at 119.2 billion rubles (1.6 billion dollars).
Poczytaj artykuł
In 2023, as in previous years, over half of the allocated mass media budget was directed to three key propaganda agencies.
- 51% of the funds went to the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), RT (formerly Russia Today), and Rossiya Segodnya, notes co-author of the analysis, Aleksandra Michałowska-Kubś.

VGTRK, a media holding targeting primarily Russian audiences, is set to receive 25.8 billion RUB this year. It operates a network of federal and regional television channels, with programs also available online. However, television popularity in Russia has recently declined—between February and July 2022, the audience for Channel One, Russia-1, and NTV dropped by a quarter. Furthermore, since the war in Ukraine began, VGTRK lost several key foreign sponsors as companies advertising on its channels exited the Russian market. The agency has also been impacted by Western sanctions.
- It seems, however, that 25.8 billion RUB is sufficient to broadcast propaganda domestically and expand media operations in the occupied territories of Ukraine. It was announced that VGTRK is opening branches in the Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions, notes Michałowska-Kubś.
Meanwhile, RT, the main pillar of the Kremlin’s international information influence, has seen a slight funding decrease. In 2023, it was allocated 26.3 billion RUB. Sanctions imposed on Russia after the invasion of Ukraine have led the agency to cease broadcasting in the EU, Canada, the US, and the UK and to close selected offices. However, RT has found ways to expand its operations, including entering the Serbian market. RT Balkan plans to start broadcasting no later than 2024. The agency is also strengthening its presence in Asia, Africa, and South America.
Interestingly, another entity funded by the budget has received significant generosity from Russian authorities. In 2023, Zvezda, a media network run by the Russian Ministry of Defense, nearly doubled its funding to 3.5 billion RUB.

- This year`s analysis confirms that propaganda is a key pillar of the regime and one of the Kremlin`s main tools of power. Legal changes threatening up to 15 years in prison for spreading "false information" about the so-called "special military operation" and the elimination of remaining independent media further emphasize that Russian authorities treat information as a weapon—not only against their own citizens. It’s important to remember that for Russia, the information space has always been a battleground, conclude analysts from the think tank Debunk.org.
Debunk.org is an independent tech-focused think tank and NGO specializing in analyzing disinformation and running educational media campaigns across eight countries. It has been countering disinformation since 2017. Link to the full article: https://www.debunk.org/pl/w-zeszłym-roku-propaganda-kosztowała-kreml-1-9-mld-usd-budżet-na-media-został-przekroczony-o-25
SWAMPED and ZASŁONA: Russian Disinformation Techniques
The EU’s East StratCom Task Force, dedicated to identifying disinformation originating outside the EU, published a list on the EUvsDisinfo portal outlining the methods the Kremlin and its agencies use to spread disinformation globally, including in Poland.
The set of disinformation and propaganda techniques is summarized under the acronym SWAMPED:
- S for Straw Man:
Attributing statements or opinions to a person or institution that were never expressed, then mocking, undermining, or attacking those views. - W for Whataboutism:
Creating the illusion of hypocrisy on the opposing side by deflecting accusations with arguments that "you/they did or do something similar." - A for Attack:
Spreading information, often false, aimed at discrediting or compromising the opponent. - M for Mockery:
Ridiculing or mocking the other side, often using out-of-context, exaggerated, or manipulated information. - P for Provocations:
Undermining opinions and beliefs using false but widely distributed claims to sow doubt and distrust. - E for Exhaust:
Distracting from the core issue by overwhelming the opponent with both authentic and fabricated data, statistics, and comparisons. - D for Denial:
A defensive method involving denial of evidence, disclaiming responsibility, and suggesting accusations stem from bias or prejudice.
COMMERCIAL BREAK
New articles in section Media industry
Equality and Diversity in Media: European Broadcasting Union Report
KFi
European public media are increasingly focusing on diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) as the foundation of their operations. Public broadcasters in Europe are implementing diversity strategies - both in content and within their teams. The findings from the report are clear: although progress is visible, many challenges remain.
How the Media Talk (or Stay Silent) About Climate. Reuters Institute Report
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Although climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable worldwide, the media have failed to maintain growing interest in the topic. The report "Climate Change and News Audiences 2024" shows that audience engagement with climate topics has remained almost unchanged for several years.
Clickbait Uncovered. How Online Headlines Evolved Over 25 Years
Krzysztof Fiedorek
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute analyzed 40 million headlines from the past 25 years. They are getting longer, more emotional, and negative, with a clear influence of clickbait style. Even reputable media use strategies and tricks to grab attention.
See articles on a similar topic:
Mass Media in Poland
Agnieszka Osińska
Into the decade of years 90. Poland entered with media national, subjected to the political control. Starting from the half of 1989 our media market underwent transformations, biggest probably from the time of the World War II.
Influencers Earn Too Much. No Fluff Jobs Report
KrzysztoF
According to nearly 70% of Poles, influencers earn too much, and 54% feel the least affection for them out of all professions. Only politicians receive equally low regard among respondents surveyed by No Fluff Jobs. On the other hand, nurses and… farmers are considered underpaid.
Print Advertising in Poland. Analysis by Polskie Badania Czytelnictwa
BARD
Analysts at Polskie Badania Czytelnictwa (Polish Readership Surveys) have compiled statistical data highlighting the reach, engagement, and opinions regarding print advertising campaigns. These insights are valuable for marketers aiming to plan and optimize advertising budgets.
Milgram Experiment 2023. AI Can Encourage Violence
KrzysztoF
Researchers from SWPS University replicated the famous Milgram experiment, in which participants were instructed to inflict pain on another person under the authority’s command. This time, the authority was a robot. It’s the first study showing that people are willing to harm another person when a robot commands them to do so.