Regulatory authorities
The Federal Agency for Press and Mass Communications is a federal executive authority to exercise functions in the sphere of establishing and operating mass media and mass communications services, TV and radio broadcasting, the development of mass communications and the distribution of mass media. As a part of the Ministry of Press and Mass communication, the Federal Agency remains the only body with the ability to examine the state of the media industry and media system.
Another body, Roskomnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications) is a federal executive authority. This body is entitled to do activities connected with permits and licenses, and can carry out validation and supervision in the spheres of telecommunications, information technologies and mass communications. Among the aims proclaimed for the Roskomnadzor’s activities is the promotion of mass communications and freedom of mass media, which in general terms correlates with the Russian authorities’ broad approach to issues of diversity and pluralism.