Analysis of Couses of theTransformation of Freedom of Mass Information in Russia (1991-2015)

The present study focuses on the causes of the transformation of the principles of freedom of mass information in Russia from 1991 to 2015. The paper presents a detailed analysis of the Soviet law "On press and other mass media of the USSR" in 1990 and applicable Russian law "On mass media" of 1991, and also present a detailed description of specific features of regulation of the domestic media in the 1990s – 2000s years. The text focuses on international documents which contain paragraphs on freedom of opinion and information. The author analyzes the normative approach to freedom of the press and how was formed the Soviet, and then Russian legislation in the field of mass media within the framework of this approach. Great attention is paid to the problem of "informal" rules that affect the activities of Russian media. A separate Chapter covers the cases of "censorship" and "self-censorship" in national journalism. Finally, discusses the legislation in recent years aimed at regulating Internet media in Russia. Key words: principles of freedom of mass information, legislation of mass media, normative theory, censorship, self-censorship, new media, informal rules.