ABSTRACT
This chapter explores recent changes in the profession of a journalist by asking who comes into journalism today and how these newcomers perceive the profession. These questions are posed within the context of the paradoxical situation in which journalism in Russia fi nds itself today. On the one hand, the profession enjoys popularity and prestige as seen in the growth in the number of journalism schools and the large number of applicants, many of them from wealthy families. This is not surprising when journalism shines in public relations (PR) and show business, where big money moves and personal career advancement are achieved, especially in the big cities. On the other hand, people do not respect the profession, not least because of the quality of journalism at present.
