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Panorama- Steve Rosenberg.

(38 Posts)
Calendargirl Tue 03-Feb-26 07:12:41

I watched this last night, a year in the life of Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s reporter in Russia.

I find him extremely watchable, knowledgeable, empathetic, just so interesting to see and hear his views about living and working in this complex country for so many years.

Not many Western journalists remain there, and he is part of a very small team.

A scary place to be much of the time.

I hope he keeps safe and can continue to report.

NannyJan53 Tue 03-Feb-26 07:15:36

It was a very interesting programme. So sad when he talked about how wonderful it was to live in Russia in the 90's, and how things drastically changed once Putin was in power.

I often wonder how much longer they will tolerate him being there. He spoke of how he 'fell in love' with Russia.

kittylester Tue 03-Feb-26 07:16:50

Wasn't it interesting, calendar. He seems such a likeable man.

Greenfinch Tue 03-Feb-26 07:27:42

Such an interesting programme. His love for the Russian people shone through. He is such a talented man. I remember seeing a programme where he played the piano beautifully by ear. Well done Panorama.

BlueBelle Tue 03-Feb-26 07:44:46

I was in Russia in the 90 s (not living there) but they were amongst the most hospitable people I ve come across they were very kind caring and loved to sing and dance real party animals (the vodka helped) Such a shame our country could become the same if it get the vile Far right to lead the way

David49 Tue 03-Feb-26 09:06:47

A friend flew his light aircraft from Alaska to Russia about 10 yrs ago, they were surprised but very friendly and helpful he even spent the winter there. Even Eastern Siberia was very westernized with KFC and Starbucks. He was not allowed to continue to China, so flew to Japan where he had to land on a golf course and broke his plane, that finished his round the world flight,

Freya5 Tue 03-Feb-26 09:18:35

BlueBelle

I was in Russia in the 90 s (not living there) but they were amongst the most hospitable people I ve come across they were very kind caring and loved to sing and dance real party animals (the vodka helped) Such a shame our country could become the same if it get the vile Far right to lead the way

Oh dear. I see the same if this far left Gov stays in power, which thank goodness is unlikely. The crackdown on free speech, jailing those who offend, rather than sex predators. Two tier policing, cracking down on Christians praying, while allowing Muslims to pray en masse in the streets. Allowing violent protestors to assault a woman carrying a union flag. Putting immigrants, illegal, needs above the British citizens needs and social housing. . It's only going to get worse, and the sleaze is growing daily. Sooner gone the better.

Grandmabatty Tue 03-Feb-26 09:18:49

I, too, was in Russia in the early 90s, just as glasnost was dawning. I was part of a school trip to Leningrad(as was) and then Moscow. It was an overwhelming positive experience. I was the Russian speaker on the trip with my very limited Russian and people were friendly and helpful. We spoke with an English speaking teacher who had lived through the leningrad siege and famine. She was incredibly interesting and her story moving.

NotSpaghetti Tue 03-Feb-26 09:20:26

Thanks for flagging this programme up.

I will try to find it.

Calendargirl Tue 03-Feb-26 09:37:09

NotSpaghetti

Thanks for flagging this programme up.

I will try to find it.

BBC I Player.

It was on BBC1.

keepingquiet Tue 03-Feb-26 09:45:21

I didn't watch it but do see his regualr reports on Youtube. I think he is the only person giving reliable reportage from Russia.

Another tick for the BBC!

Liberty Tue 03-Feb-26 12:56:04

We watched the programme which enhanced our admiration for him as a talented journalist and a very likeable and decent individual.

I always feel relieved when he reports that he is well and able to do so. Long may that continue.

Basgetti Tue 03-Feb-26 14:32:49

Constantly amazed that he hasn’t been deported, like Sarah Rainsford.

FannyD Wed 04-Feb-26 13:58:15

I haven’t watched it yet, but will do soon. I admire him greatly.

He’s also a concert-level pianist and composer. If you look online many clips of him playing are easily found.

kittylester Wed 04-Feb-26 14:07:20

And he loves tge Eurovision Song Contest.

maturefloosy Wed 04-Feb-26 14:38:10

Love Steve Rosenberg, who gives accurate accounts on the BBC news about what ordinary Russian people think - as well as walking a fine line not to offend. I just hope he keeps safe . . .
I heard him play the piano too—a very talented man!

SaxonGrace Wed 04-Feb-26 14:48:43

Well said Freya, one rarely hears the so called far right folk call their opponents on the left ‘vile’, the left choosing to support antisemitism, thousands of illegals in boats flooding the country ( most of whom aren’t from war torn countries ) our two teir justice system and the cancellation of elections for many councils (Tory and Labour) to name but a few issues. I welcome the next GE with open arms .

Ali61 Wed 04-Feb-26 14:58:29

I love Steve Rosenberg - in fact I'd run off with him if he were available! He really does seem like a lovely man - intelligent, interesting, sensitive and knowledgeable. He's a great reporter and can play the piano beautifully. I also watched the Panorama programme - he came across so well, but I took wondered about his safety in Russia and how he gets away with being as candid about the situation as he does. Let's hope he's safe 🙏

DrWatson Wed 04-Feb-26 15:23:06

As folk have said, he's been great for years, trying to give balanced reports about what is now a wildly unbalanced country with an unhinged delisional leader.

Most of the ordinary people in Russia do much as in other countries, with similar hindrance at the top, just struggle on as best they can. Though at least Chump's opponents can look forward to a realistic election in a few years, with maybe a 50% chance of getting someone competent as PoTUS, the base population with despots in Russia, N Korea, Iran & others risk their lives if merely speaking out.

Susieq62 Wed 04-Feb-26 15:26:42

I went to Russia in 1966 on a school trip. It was fascinating to experience as a 15 year old teenager. I watched this programme and it brought back many memories. It is a country I have always been intrigued about. I have a lot of admiration for Steve Rosenberg and his reporting .

silverlining48 Wed 04-Feb-26 15:53:39

It was an interesting and informative programme. I think He said he is the only bbc reporter left there. Their huge office is empty apart from him and his cameraman.
I often wonder how long they will allow him to stay. It must be extremely stressful, having to be so careful.

Dreadwitch Wed 04-Feb-26 16:17:49

I love him! He went to Leeds uni and I knew him back in the 90s, he surprisingly loved to party lol

knspol Wed 04-Feb-26 16:19:07

I forgot this programme was on will try to watch on catch up. Really like this man, somehow seems to have integrity. His reports are always worth listening to and like others I have often wondered why he hasn't been thrown out by now.

Allira Wed 04-Feb-26 17:14:03

I didn't see the programme, must try to watch it upon iPlayer.

Yes, he is an excellent journalist and a very likeable, personable man. His reports from Russia are always interesting and enjoyable and I hope he and his cameraman stay safe.

gillyjp Wed 04-Feb-26 17:34:16

Seems such a genuine man. Went to see him at King's Place last year - a bit of chat and a bit of him playing the piano. What an interesting chap. The venue was full and we really enjoyed seeing him. I always listen to him when he appears on the news - even get the impression that the Russians like him and he must be doing something right as he's not been chucked out yet!