Journalism against autocracy: Mikhail Zygar delivers 2025 A N Smith lecture

Mikhail Zygar, exiled founder of Russia’s only independent television news channel, and winner of the CPJ International Press Freedom Award, spoke about the evolution of his career and his hopes for generational change in Russia at last night’s annual University of Melbourne A N Smith Lecture.

Mr Zygar said he was honoured to be asked to deliver the lecture, in a time where tools of disinformation are being exported and shared by autocrats, and democratic values are under unprecedented threat.

“Vladmir Putin’s actions influence not only what happens in Russia; with his politics, he is quite effectively reshaping the entire global order.

He is waging a war against values, freedom of speech, free elections and liberal democracy. Because he genuinely believes that liberal democracy does not exist, and instead of democracy, the world should be ruled by an honest, pragmatic authoritarianism.”

University of Melbourne’s’ Faculty of Arts Centre for Advancing Journalism Director Professor Andrew Dodd said the centre existed to foster and encourage journalism that was useful to people in being informed and engaged citizens.

“Mikhail is proof that independent journalism is now more important than ever. His work is courageous and his contribution to public understanding is immense. We are honoured to host him for this year’s A N Smith lecture.”

University of Melbourne’s Dean of Faculty of Arts Professor Jennifer Balint said Mr Zygar’s lecture reiterated the importance of universities and the role they had to play, particularly in times of global change.

“The purpose of the University of Melbourne and other universities is to curate, challenge and develop the canon of knowledge. Our role is to make a difference in society, solve significant problems and help lead and create a better world – we want to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.”