Activities in the field of media and production of printed materials included in the list of sectors of the Russian economy most affected by the deterioration of the situation due to the spread of coronavirus infection. This decree was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Dmitry Muratov, Vladimir Zhelonkin and Pavel Gusev commented on the decision.
Mediocrely in the context of the pandemic was in a difficult situation: the proceeds from the sale of books, the press, subscriptions declining, declining revenues from advertising. Particularly affected are small companies and organisations in the regions. Most of them are small and medium-sized businesses. Requests to support the industry came to the government from the associations, public authorities and even ordinary citizens. The government has responded.
“Now the role of the media is particularly important: citizens should receive timely and reliable information about what is happening,” – said Mishustin.
support Measures provided by the government for the representatives of the affected industries can make use of publishers of books, Newspapers, magazines, periodicals, television and radio stations, zines, news. Also in the list of included activities related with printing of Newspapers.
the Chairman of the Union of journalists of Moscow Pavel Gusev: “It is absolutely correct and timely decision of the head of the government and those who were engaged in the preparation of this decision. Because now the media, especially print, were in a very difficult situation. This is connected with the distribution system, shipping the print. And the newspaper is in demand.
Being at home in isolation, in a fairly confined conditions, people enjoy reading printed materials. The fact that today the government drew attention to it, I’d say it’s a revolutionary solution, a revolutionary step. For the media it will be a great support and help. Also, as for population of the printed products.”
the head of the Publishing house “Kommersant” Vladimir Zhelonkin has called the ruling “certainly correct”: “Although I don’t know what exactly will be made there, but in General as the media, we are delighted to be included in the list of affected industries. Of course, that’s a plus”.
the Chief editor of “Novaya Gazeta” Dmitry Muratov sees this decision as the advantages and some pitfalls: “That was one of the subjects of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tatarstan. It seems to me that, when they finally started to give a lot of powers to the regions, the response to this request suggests that Federal center is starting to pay attention to those voices which are coming from the regions. This is a big plus.
the Second point is that we, the media, not the artist TArzan. We can and should do to renew and restore our relationship with our audiences. Therefore, if the government is going to help — thank you. But to ask nothing we will not. It is very difficult to ask the government to support, and then this government a lot of reasons to show. Money if they will be offered, we will see what it is. But to ask themselves…
you Can look at my hand. It hat no. Really need help printers. When not delivered Newspapers when closed kiosks around the country, they have falls. But this is outstanding work. Printing workers are the leaders of the Russian proletariat. And again. Give the money mail. Pavel Gusev about it said a thousand times. Well, it is impossible to have half of the cost was shipping. Help mail, and help printers”.
among the support measures, which could include the Russian media – a six-month delay in the payment of all taxes (except VAT), as well as rental payments for the use of real property owned by the state, municipal, or private ownership, interest-free loans for emergency needs and pay salaries, preferential loans at a rate of 2% for any purpose, a moratorium on the bankruptcy, carrying out scheduled and unscheduled inspections.
Additionally, for small and medium businesses of the affected sectors is provided by delaying the payment of insurance premiums (and reduce their size in half, if the wages of workers above the minimum wage 1), restructuring payments, formed during the period of suspension on payment of taxes and insurance premiums, for a period of one year in equal monthly installments.
Also have a direct financial support in the form of subsidies (grants) that can be spent for salaries, payment of debts for utilities. Means are provided for at the rate of 1 minimum wage for each employee. Companies that due to various circumstances have technical debt for taxes and insurance premiums, may qualify for a subsidy, if the amount of such debt does not exceed 3 thousand rubles.
