A journalist must remain neutral—this is fundamental, the very foundation of true journalism. If a journalist is promoting a politician or fighting against some Protestant religious movement, then it’s anything but journalism (propaganda, PR, social activism)—but not journalism.

Let’s imagine the most extreme example: World War II, the Great Patriotic War. If a journalist writes, ‘The damned fascists are advancing. But the heroic Soviet troops, with the support of the Allies, are determined to decisively crush the enemy’s throat and then break its back,’ that’s not journalism; it’s a propaganda piece. It may be necessary for victory, to boost morale, but it should be written by advertisers, propagandists—not journalists. A journalist writes calmly and neutrally: ‘The troops of Nazi Germany have launched an offensive on such-and-such front. The Soviet forces are resisting and counterattacking in such-and-such direction. They are being assisted by Allied forces. As General So-and-so stated, “We intend to turn the tide of the war in our favor within the next month.”‘ As they say, feel the difference.

The authorities are never interested in true journalism; they always want to be praised and have their opponents criticized. In different countries, at different times, the situation varies. Sometimes journalists are allowed to do their job, sometimes there is active interference.

If a person wants to be a true journalist, it’s advisable to stick to objectivity and neutrality. We are not fanatics; we don’t judge anyone. If a journalist wants to live better and switches to the propagandist’s side, where the pay is higher—well, fine, let them do it, but that’s not journalism.

How to remain neutral? It’s preferable to work in non-state media. If you work in state media, don’t go overboard with polishing the floors of government offices.

Secure several sources of income. For example, write for a newspaper and an online portal, rent out the apartment of a deceased grandmother, and do some teaching at a university.

Focus on topics that don’t touch on politics: sports journalism, showbiz news, crime, urban events, etc. There are countless topics where there’s absolutely no need to touch on the work of the government and foreign policy.

And please, no self-sacrifice. One journalist or even a group of journalists will not change the country or the world. They can change it slightly, locally, but not globally. We need to be realistic as well. If you get hit on the head or thrown in jail, it won’t help and it’s not worth it. That’s just our opinion. Take care of yourselves!