Russia TV reporter 'lights grass' for wildfire report

Image source, Channel 1

Image caption, Mikhail Akinchenko says he wanted background interest for his report on forest fires
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A Russian state TV reporter is in under fire after admitting to setting grass alight to embellish a report on wildfires.

Locals of a village in the Siberian republic of Khakassia accused Channel One journalist Mikhail Akinchenko of throwing a carefully aimed cigarette butt to get nearby grass smouldering, according to . He later told police he had wanted to create "background shots" for a on forest fires that have claimed 30 lives in the region. Channel One confirmed the incident and apologised, describing the move as "negligence". Police are investigating whether it's a case of arson.

"In one word: Idiots," Channel One director of news Kirill Kleimenov . "He will of course be punished. You should use your head and think about what you are doing." But he added that Akinchenko was a "good correspondent and good person" and would not be sacked.

The Khakassia news agency said the incident was an example of the cynicism of national TV journalists. Pro-Kremlin media and organisations have a reputation of tweaking reality for effect - and Russia's frequent wildfires are a popular motif. In 2010, the pro-Kremlin youth group Young Guard posted a YouTube video showing them apparently dousing a wildfire that was as being staged for the camera.

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