It Has Come To Light Why Z-channel Propagandist Kiselev Was Taken Off The Air

A conflict arose.

Russian propagandist Dmitry Kiselev was removed from “Vesti Nedeli” following a conflict with the CEO of VGTRK. The presidential administration had to intervene

According to sources at “We Can Explain”, the reason for Kiselev’s removal from his position as host of the main news summary program on “Rossiya 1” was not the show’s ratings, but rather problems in his relationships with colleagues and management. The propagandist had a conflict with VGTRK Director General Oleg Dobrodeev.

Recently, Kiselev had been regularly clashing with the program’s staff, and working with him had become increasingly difficult, according to sources speaking to “MO” (the Telegram channel “VChK-OGPU” had also hinted at this, which was the first to report on his impending removal). Several staff members resigned. Ultimately, the situation escalated into a conflict between Kiselev and his boss, Dobrodeev.

After that, according to sources, the CEO of VGTRK complained about the host to Alexei Gromov—the first deputy head of the Presidential Administration and the official in charge of state propaganda. “They punished him this way: they didn’t fire him outright, but they left him with a program where he has practically no subordinates,” is how a source at “MO” described the leadership’s decision.

At the same time, Kiselev retained his other position—he remains the CEO of the “Russia Today” International Information Agency. According to leaks reviewed by “MO,” his salary at the propaganda holding company as of 2020 was about 2 million rubles per month—exactly twice as much as he earned at VGTRK.

The theory that his dismissal was not due to falling ratings is supported by the numbers. In April 2024, the average rating for “Vesti Nedeli” was 4.3, and in April 2026, it was 4.1. This is indicated by data from the unified television ratings service Mediascope, which was analyzed by “MO.” The program’s ratings declined, but at a rate roughly comparable to that of other major television programs. There was no sharp drop in viewership for Kiselev’s program.

“Vesti Nedeli” has been airing on “Rossiya 1” since 2001. Kiselev hosted the program for about 14 years, starting in 2012. In the summer of 2026, he was replaced by Evgeny Popov. Kiselev, meanwhile, will host his own show, “Kiselev,” which will air in the format of a television column. The first episode is scheduled for September 6 and will air immediately after “News of the Week.”

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