Is Ted Turner, left, buying into Vladimir Gusinsky's media company?
How would Ted Turner's buying into Media Most affect the Russian media and political landscape?
"So far, this is what may be classified as a 'solid rumor.' But even as a rumor, it has surely provoked a very unpleasant and panicky reaction on the part of the Russian government and what we may call 'pro-government forces.'
"The background to this story is that Media Most previously reached a deal with the government-controlled gas company, Gazprom, to repay a large loan by giving Gazprom a 49 percent stake in Media Most. They were supposed to turn a further 25 percent plus one share to a third investor, which would be sought through Deutsche Bank. The idea was that neither Gazprom, nor the current owners of Media Most, nor this third investor would have a controlling share.
"But the state was applying all sorts of pressures on Media Most — and shortly after the deal was signed, Gazprom indicated it would withdraw. And then the government issued the order to arrest Gusinsky.
"But once information became available that Ted Turner was considering buying into Media Most, Gazprom said that was an abrogation of the deal, and that NTV [Media Most's flagship TV network] had no right to independently seek a foreign investor. They insisted that this could happen only via Deutsche Bank, with the blessing of Gazprom. But Media Most officials say that Gazprom had informed Deutsche Bank that they were backing out of the deal, and that leaves NTV free to dispose of its stock as it chooses. But Andrei Tsimailo, deputy to Media Most chief Vladimir Gusinsky, today told Russian TV, 'As soon as we find an investor, the prosecutor's office shows up.' Last night, the prosecutor general sent a team to search Tsimailo's private apartment, just as he was about to leave for London to have discussions with a potential investor — maybe Turner, maybe someone else. But the prosecutor's office was clearly enraged that Media Most might find an independent investor. If Ted Turner or someone like him buys into NTV, it becomes very frustrating for President Putin. Because it becomes very difficult for Putin to do anything to NTV. So his minions in the prosecutor's office are doing their best to stop any such deal.
"So Media Most is going to file suit against Deutsche Bank and Gazprom in the West, and Gazprom will file a new suit against Media Most in Russia. The bottom line is that Putin only has one interest, and that is to destroy NTV. So far he has not been very successful, but he has many means at his disposal. He wants to show that he has destroyed his enemy in a democratic way."
Why might Turner's involvement frustrate Putin?
"We don't know if he is involved, but if the reports prove true, it's a big blow to Putin because, as we say in Russia, his arms are too short to get Turner. He can put the screws on Russians, but not on Ted Turner. Putin generally believes all Russians are serfs to the Kremlin, but Turner is not Russian. If he invested in NTV, it would be a very good gesture of solidarity with what is left of freedom of speech in Russia. But of course nobody will help the Russians unless the Russians help themselves."