NTV, the only nationwide independent TV channel in Russia, was taken over in April 2001. It lost its independence despite a vigorous protest campaign mounted by its staff. Dina Newman speaks to the head of NTV at the time, Yevgeny Kiselev. Photo: Life size puppets of Russian political leaders including president Putin, on the set of NTV's popular satirical television show "Puppets"; June 29, 2000. Credit: Oleg Nikishin/Newsmakers/Getty
