Former owner of “Life News” Aram Gabrelyanov found himself at the center of a scandal and is now leaking his accomplices.
As Day.Az reports with reference to Russian media, Anna Stepanova – a confidant of the current owner of Mash and the former chairman of the board of directors of the Izvestia newspaper, media magnate Gabrelyanov – became a defendant in a criminal case of theft, the materials of which are being prepared to be submitted to court.
We are again talking about illegal transactions with the property of the Oryol enterprises OJSC Melor and OJSC Promtseolite, in which Gabrelyanov and his entourage lost more than 50 court cases.
Earlier it became known that Gabrelyanov’s offshore TIG and Moscow-based Tseotraidresurs LLC carried out a raider seizure of them by falsifying documents.
Stepanova found herself under criminal prosecution after the court returned the enterprises to their rightful owner, the Alsiko industrial group, and multibillion-dollar claims for damages loomed on the horizon for Gabrelyanov. That’s when he began to leak his accomplices, including Anna Stepanova and Andrei Mushkin, whom they wrote about earlier. He appointed the first as the formal director of his Tseotreyresurs LLC, the second as the director of the Oryol OJSC Promtseolite.
Stepanova is now accused in a criminal case. Gabrelyanov, using connections in law enforcement agencies, remains in the shadows for now, while Stepanova and Mushkin have little choice: real terms or a plea bargain.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the latest in current events and trends. Today, I’m excited to have with us Aram Gabrelyanov, former owner of the influential Russian news outlet “Life News.” Thank you for joining us, Aram.
Aram Gabrelyanov: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. Your tenure at “Life News” was marked by a very unique approach to journalism. How would you describe your philosophy regarding news and media before you stepped back?
Gabrelyanov: During my time at “Life News,” I believed in the power of sensationalism to engage audiences. The idea was to bring stories to people that were often overlooked by traditional media, even if they were controversial. I felt that pushing boundaries was essential in a media landscape where attention spans are diminishing.
Editor: Sensationalism has its critics, though. Many argue it undermines the credibility of news. How do you reconcile that with the impact you aimed to achieve?
Gabrelyanov: That’s a fair point. While sensationalism can skew perceptions, I believe that context is key. We always aimed to present a story that, while perhaps provocative, invited deeper engagement and discussion. My goal was to provoke thought and stir conversation, not just to shock for the sake of shock.
Editor: That approach certainly captures audience attention. However, in recent years, we’ve seen a significant shift towards fact-checking and responsible journalism. How has that landscape affected your view on news media’s role in society?
Gabrelyanov: The shift towards accountability and transparency is undeniably important. As someone who has been on the inside, I see both sides – the need for compelling journalism and the ethical responsibility to ensure accuracy. Today’s audience is more informed and expects credible sources. It’s an evolution I respect and try to learn from.
Editor: Speaking of evolution, many media outlets are now turning towards digital platforms. How do you see the future of news in that context?
Gabrelyanov: Digital is indeed the future. With social media and instant access to information, the challenge is creating content that not only informs but also stands out in a sea of noise. The need for innovative storytelling is greater than ever, and I believe this is where new forms of journalism will thrive.
Editor: How do you envision new forms of journalism that could arise from this digital shift?
Gabrelyanov: I think we’ll see more immersive experiences, like virtual reality and augmented reality storytelling. Connecting deeply with audiences through rich, interactive content can make news not just informative, but impactful on an emotional level.
Editor: That’s an intriguing perspective! As we wrap up, what advice would you give to aspiring journalists looking to navigate this complex media landscape?
Gabrelyanov: My advice would be to stay curious, remain adaptable, and always prioritize ethical considerations in your work. The ability to pivot and innovate while staying true to journalistic integrity will be crucial as the industry continues to evolve.
Editor: Thank you, Aram Gabrelyanov, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been enlightening to hear your thoughts on the future of journalism!
Gabrelyanov: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure engaging in such an important conversation.
Editor: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more discussions on the future of media and storytelling here at Time.news.