Russia's State-Controlled Media 'Essential' to National Security

Russia's state-owned media companies are "essential" to the country's national security, it was announced this week.

According to The Moscow Times, a list of 64 media outlets controlled by the government was published on Wednesday. The list also includes the Federal Guard Service, the Federal Security Service, and the Defense Ministry.

All of the companies on the list have "essential significance in protecting the rights and lawful interests of Russian citizens, as well as defense potential and security of the state," according to the report.

Among the media companies on the list are Rossiya Segodnya, TASS, and VGTRK.

Russia's state-run media companies have recently been in the news because of their alleged role in the U.S. presidential election. In addition to evidence that showed Russia tried to influence the election via computer hacks, there were also claims it used fake news stories on media outlets such as RT in order to sway voters' opinions.

RT is also being accused of conducting an anti-fracking campaign designed to weaken America's energy industry.

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