Our Man in Moscow

BBC Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg looks back on the transformations Russia has undergone during his 25‑year tenure in the country, observing how the nation’s political and social landscape has shifted. He also notes that public perception of him has reversed dramatically in recent years.

Our Man in Moscow is a BBC programme presented as an episode that follows the work of a journalist stationed in Russia. The series offers a glimpse into the daily life and professional challenges faced by a foreign correspondent in the capital. Through on‑the‑ground reporting, it aims to give viewers insight into the complexities of Russian society. The episode centres on Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s Russia Editor, who reflects on his quarter‑century of experience in the country. He looks back over the 25 years he has spent reporting from Moscow, recalling the shifts he has witnessed in the political climate, media landscape and everyday life. His perspective is drawn from personal observation. Rosenberg discusses how Russia has changed during his tenure, noting transformations in social attitudes, economic conditions and the international stance of the nation. He points to the evolution of public discourse, the rise of new technologies, and shifts in governmental policy that have altered the everyday environment. These observations illustrate the breadth of change across the past quarter‑century. He also reveals that public opinion of him has undergone a reversal in recent years, moving from scepticism to a more favourable view, or vice versa, reflecting broader shifts in how foreign journalists are perceived. This change in perception mirrors the evolving relationship between Russia’s audience and external media, underscoring the personal impact of the nation’s transformation.