[raxxorraxor]

How is the government controlling the media?

Mainly through access. If you don't report favorably, your government sources might withdraw. Sources that provide you with exclusive information that you can provide first. There are of course unimaginable other venues to enforce compliance to a certain framing. There is also documentation how this was achieved in the past.

I saw how the press quickly turned people in favor of the Iraq war. It was clear propaganda. You can see the same stuff happening today with different enemies. Yes, Russia is a despotic state, but you are a victim of disinformation as soon as that prevents you to demand accountability at home. Because that would be your job as a citizen of a democratic state and what you can influence.

[koonsolo]

Let's take the US as example: you claim that news sources will not discredit the president or government?

[raxxorraxor]

Depends on how favorable a candidate is. The US does have independent media, but also large networks that certainly push interests.