Russian media struggles: Audience drops despite budget boost
The Russian state media experienced a significant decline in audience numbers in 2024. As reported by the service 'We Can Explain', the popularity of outlets such as 'Komsomolskaya Pravda' and television channels drastically decreased.
In 2024, Russian state media, including Putin's favourite newspaper 'Komsomolskaya Pravda', lost millions of readers.
According to LiveInternet statistics, the number of KP website users fell from 6.5 million to 4.3 million. Other publications, such as 'Moskovsky Komsomolets' and 'Gazeta.ru', experienced similar declines.
Not only the press but also state television in Russia is losing viewers. The NTV channel lost 13 per cent of its audience, and Channel One fell to fifth place in viewership rankings.
The Kremlin increases funding, viewers drift away
As noted by the Moscow Times, the decline in viewership occurred after the Russian authorities allocated a record amount of 137.2 billion rubles (approximately $1.9 billion CAD) to state television, news agencies, and newspapers for 2025.
Despite the drop in popularity, the Russian government does not intend to abandon propaganda. The 2025 budget provides significant subsidies for the media.
Expenditures for news agencies, such as RIA Novosti and TASS, will also increase.
