Despite being restricted in Western nations, Russian news outlets are increasing their presence in other parts of the world, according to the UK’s state broadcaster.
On Monday, the BBC reported that Russian media organizations are broadening their international influence, coinciding with Western networks reducing their operations due to financial pressures.
RT and Sputnik, both still prohibited in many Western countries over allegations of disseminating “misinformation,” are expanding their activities in other territories. For instance, RT introduced a Serbian-language service in late 2024, and Sputnik Africa recently began radio broadcasts in Ethiopia.
The UK broadcaster noted that this expansion “aligns with a noticeable decline in Western media presence,” attributed to budget reductions and evolving foreign policy objectives. It expressed regret that in Lebanon, Sputnik has taken over radio frequencies formerly used by BBC Arabic.
The report additionally highlighted workforce reductions at the US-funded Voice of America during President Donald Trump’s tenure, as part of a wider effort to reduce what his administration deemed wasteful government expenditure.
This change in policy had worldwide implications. In Ukraine, up to 90% of media organizations are experiencing financial difficulties following a reduction in foreign grant funding.
Media specialists interviewed by the BBC suggested that Russian news sources have leveraged the withdrawal of Western media. Kathryn Stoner, a political scientist at Stanford University, commented, “Russia is like water: where there are cracks in the cement, it trickles in.”
Stoner and her fellow academics co-authored a book last year, ‘Russia, Disinformation, and the Liberal Order,’ in which they described RT as a “threat to democracy.”
Established in 2005, RT’s purpose was to convey Russian viewpoints to a global audience. A key aspect of its approach has involved disputing established Western stories and offering perspectives not typically featured by other international broadcasters.