DISINFO: Russian media frighten Western elites, that is why they are blocked in the West
SUMMARY
Russian media address and discuss issues that are tabooed by the Western media, therefore, the Russian media are becoming the most powerful information source in the West. This, of course, frightens the Western elites, and that is why there are take-downs [such as RT German channels deleted by YouTube].
Russia is very careful and tolerant in its attitude to Western [media and information] sources.
RESPONSE
A recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about censorship and control of the media in the West. By claiming that there is no freedom of the press and no freedom of expression in the West, this narrative seeks to discredit Western mainstream media and Western democracies.
This claim appeared in the light of YouTube having deleted two of RT's German-language channels on 28 September 2021, saying RT had breached its COVID misinformation policy.
It is not true, as the article claims, that the West censors news and opinion that is unwelcome to the political elites. This claim does not reflect the reality of Western media, where a wide range of political opinions are represented. According to Reporters Without Borders, the nations with the most press freedom and freedom of speech are Western countries, with European nations predominating, as well as Canada and the United States.
For an in-depth look at the situation of Russian state-controlled mass media, the Kremlin's policy towards independent media, censorship and Russian journalists killed in the course of their work, read here.