Putin Moves To Limit External Influences On Public Opinion

A major source of television in Russia announced that it would not provide access to CNN and the BBC for reasons beyond its control.  This follows moves that limit the functioning of external NGO groups, such as Greenpeace, in Russia.  Observers believe that Putin is concerned about the affect of external information sources on public opinion in Russia.  Frankly, US television also provides limited access to external news sources.  It has not been necessary for the US government to do anything to control access to external news sources.  With the exception of the BBC, American's do not have an opportunity to observe how the rest of the world responds to the news.