Journalist Fired for Refusing to Cover Putin’s Flight with Endangered Cranes
Russian president Vladimir Putin leading a flock of endangered Siberian whites cranes in flight. ( Photo: BBC Video)
Not every journalist in Russia was happy to cover Vladimir Putin’s escapade this week, when he led Siberian cranes across the Arctic in a motorized hang-glider.
Writer Masha Gessen tells host Lisa Mullins she refused to cover the event, and as a result lost her job.
Until earlier this week Gessen was the chief editor of Russia’s oldest magazine, a travel and science magazine called Vokrug Sveta.
In a statement Tuesday the magazine said Gessen left by agreement with management because of “differences” on the separation of editorial and publishing powers.
Vokrug Sveta collaborates with the Russian Geographical Society, and its board of trustees is chaired by Putin.
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