In a candid appearance on the RTVI program Legend, journalist and television presenter Mikhail Kozhukhov disclosed a pivotal reason behind his departure from hosting the travel show. He explained that the demand to continually demean himself on camera had become untenable, signaling the end of a long era on screen. His remark painted a stark portrait of the industry pressures he faced, noting that a reserve of humiliation had dried up after years in front of the camera.
Kozhukhov recalled the nine years spent within television production, a period characterized by relentless public scrutiny and the expectation to perform emotionally and professionally at a constant, high tempo. When the situation intensified to a point where he felt his dignity was being worn away, he chose to speak up. He contrasted his approach with a harsher, more dramatic stance, saying he would not be the one to tear out a heart or blaze a path for others through self-sacrifice. The sentiment underscored a boundary he was unwilling to cross, signaling a shift away from the old rhythm of his career.
With time, fatigue from the routine of office life and the narrow confines of familiar settings led him to seek new directions. The host, known for popular programs such as In Search of Adventure and Around the World, explored broader horizons by venturing into writing and curating his own travel club. He founded Mikhail Kozhukhov Travel Club, a venture that organized literary travel experiences with other writers exploring foreign locales. These initiatives reflected a desire to diversify his work and bring fresh experiences to audiences beyond standard television formats. Yet, despite this shift toward independent projects, Kozhukhov made it clear that he did not envision leaving Russia. His emphasis remained on work connected to the Russian language and culture, with professional possibilities rooted in his homeland rather than in exile.
People familiar with his trajectory noted a persistent curiosity about what lay ahead. Kozhukhov hinted at a future where staying connected to storytelling and exploration would be central, but he also acknowledged the uncertainty inherent in reinventing a long-standing career. He suggested that the next steps would likely align with creative pursuits that utilized his extensive experience while preserving a sense of authenticity and personal values. His reflections underscored a broader theme in media careers: the tension between maintaining creative integrity and navigating a rapidly changing industry.
In related coverage, another figure in the same circle, Oksana Samoilova, was reported to have received a controversial award described as the Scam of the Year, a designation that circulated in media summaries attached to her name. Such notes offer a glimpse into the sometimes provocative and sensational narratives that accompany public figures in the television world, illustrating how reputations can be shaped by awards and public perception as much as by programming decisions. The episode surrounding the award did not directly involve Kozhukhov, but it formed part of the broader landscape of media attention around prominent broadcasters and their evolving careers.
Looking back on the period, Kozhukhov’s career embodies a balance between tradition and adaptation. He rose to prominence with travel programming that fed viewers a sense of discovery and wonder, yet his later choices reveal a strategic pivot toward sustainable, self-directed projects. The travel club and the authorial writing efforts suggest a desire to retain relevance through content creation that feels personal and intimate, rather than exclusively tied to corporate TV schedules. This pattern reveals a practical approach to longevity in media, where diversification can complement ongoing influence while preserving core values.
Fans and industry observers alike may keep an eye on how his next chapters unfold. If the past is any guide, Kozhukhov is likely to pursue ventures that leverage his storytelling strengths, promote cultural exchange, and offer audiences a window into places and ideas that resonate with a broad, multilingual readership. The path he chose reflects a broader trend among established broadcasters who transition from on-air roles to projects that they can shape with greater autonomy and creative control, all while honoring the roots of their craft. In the end, the story is one of adaptation, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to the kinds of experiences that sparked his original appeal to audiences across Russia and beyond.