RIA Novosti chief editor Svetlana Mironyuk"s...

The “RIA and Stalin” story unfolded according to the classical “storm in a teacup” scenario. Initially just a story like many others, it grew out of a journalist’s mistake, poor knowledge of the subject, or bias and adherence to stereotypes. Unfortunately, it caused an uproar and great damage to the reputation of RIA Novosti.

I see two elements in this situation, a personal and a public one.

The personal element is the desire of Andrew Rettman, who works for www.EUobserver.com, to find or create a sensation where none exists. To get the details, read the RIA Novosti press release and also Rettman’s article about RIA Novosti and Stalin.

In essence, Rettman writes that somebody told somebody else about Russia’s efforts to “improve the image of Joseph Stalin,” as if anyone can improve the image of historical personas. History puts everyone in his or her rightful place, sooner or later. He further claims that RIA

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