A well known journalist, Gordeeva, who is labeled a foreign agent in the Russian Federation, announced via her Telegram channel that the project titled Tell Gordeeva on YouTube would be paused. The decision comes amid a new development in the Russian parliament and a shift in how foreign associations are restricted in the country.
The State Duma approved, on its third and final reading, legislation that bans advertising by foreign representatives. Gordeeva explained that her team had relied on advertising integrations and produced films and interviews funded by those revenues, but the new restrictions will prevent the project from operating in the same way as before. The move has immediate practical implications for the channel and its business model, which depended heavily on partnerships and sponsored content to sustain production costs.
Gordeeva noted that even before the law was adopted, advertisers faced pressure from anonymous sources. She described attempts by unknown supporters to intimidate sponsors, creating an atmosphere of risk for those who funded or promoted the content. This pressure contributed to the decision to reassess the channel’s operations and to pause production temporarily while evaluating options under the new legal framework.
Parts of the Tell Gordeeva project have already been shot, and the team indicated that the remaining portions are still in progress. The team had invested significant time and effort into planning shoots and coordinating collaborations, and the decision to cancel or postpone certain segments was not taken lightly. The producers pledged to release whatever footage has already been completed to the best of their ability, ensuring that the material already captured would be shared with viewers, even if future installments could not proceed as initially planned.
At present, the Tell Gordeeva channel maintains a substantial audience, with subscriber numbers around 1.64 million. The high level of viewer engagement reflects the reach and influence of the project, even amid regulatory and political headwinds. The channel has been a steady source of interviews and documentary-style content, attracting a diverse audience interested in investigative reporting and critical analysis of current events.
Russia’s Ministry of Justice included Gordeeva in the registry of individuals designated as foreign agents. This designation has had wide-ranging implications for the journalist’s ability to operate, market content, and engage with sponsors. The designation has also influenced how the public and other media actors perceive and interact with Gordeeva and her team, shaping the environment in which independent reporting is conducted.
Previously, there were proposals in the State Duma about prohibiting loans to foreign agencies. The discussion underscored the broader policy environment that constrains funding and collaborations for media outlets and independent productions that involve foreign involvement or funding. The evolving regulatory landscape has prompted organizational reevaluations and strategic adjustments for teams like Gordeeva’s, as they navigate legal obligations while continuing to deliver journalism and documentary content to their audience.