Sergei Brilev Steps Away From Vesti and VGTRK Leadership
In a candid update shared with viewers and colleagues, television host Sergei Brilev announced that he will no longer oversee Vesti and is stepping down from his role as deputy director for special projects at the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company. The broadcaster conveyed the news through social media, prompting a flurry of reactions from fans, industry peers, and media watchers alike.
Brilev reflected on a long and varied career, noting that September marked a milestone: two decades since he first began presenting the flagship program. He paused to look back at the early days and the moments that defined his time on air. The decision to relinquish the position was not made lightly, he suggested, and it comes after a period of introspection about how best to balance the demanding schedule with new creative directions.
From the statement, it is clear that Brilev has always sought growth and progression. He recalled a time when he wore multiple hats, including the title of assistant channel manager, a role that carried its own set of responsibilities and learnings. The reflection hints at a broader shift in his career philosophy: the belief that leadership duties need to align with personal strengths and evolving professional goals.
Brilev explained that a trip abroad earlier in the year—specifically to Latin America—played a part in shaping his current mindset. During that time, he engaged in field reporting and the production of short films, experiences that offered fresh perspectives on storytelling, pacing, and audience engagement. Upon returning to Moscow at the end of April, he underwent medical care whose details he chose not to disclose. The recovery period, followed by a phase of convalescence, further clarified his sense of purpose and the kind of work that feels most meaningful at this stage of his career.
The presenter emphasized that long hours on live television, a hallmark of his earlier professional life, no longer align with his preferred workflow. He indicated a desire to pivot toward formats that offer time for careful writing, research, and meticulous production planning. In his view, films and in-depth special reports provide a platform to tell stories with depth and precision, allowing for a more deliberate pace that suits his evolving strengths as a storyteller.
Industry observers noted the context surrounding Brilev’s announcement, recognizing it within a broader trend of seasoned broadcasters reassessing their roles as media landscapes transform. The move appears to be less about stepping away from the spotlight and more about recalibrating the balance between on-air presence and the creative control afforded by written and produced content. As Brilev transitions, there is anticipation about the kinds of projects he will helm next and how his experience will inform future programming decisions.
Within the same period, chatter among viewers and colleagues highlighted another notable development: Ivan Urgant took on hosting duties for the program for the first time in six months. This shift in hosting assignments underscores a broader moment of transition within the network, inviting audiences to compare styles and expectations across different presenters. Brilev’s departure from his executive responsibilities could lead to new opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, or the exploration of formats that emphasize documentary storytelling, investigative reporting, and cinematic presentation.
As the network processes this leadership change, the media community watches closely to see how Brilev’s influence will be channeled through his future work. The path ahead may involve collaborations with seasoned reporters, a renewed focus on international reporting, or the development of projects that blend filmic craft with journalistic rigor. In any case, Brilev’s career arc offers a compelling case study in how experienced broadcasters navigate the evolving demands of state media while maintaining a distinctive voice and vision.