At the President’s suggestion, the discussion focused on the freedom of the press.
Mr Putin underlined that criticism from the press is useful for the Government of any level because it makes the Government rectify its mistakes.
The only subject that should not be discussed was spreading illegal and extremist ideas. President Putin stressed that was the only ban the state imposed on the media.
See also
Opening Remarks at a Meeting with Russian Media Executives
January 13, 2001