Announcing a New Editor-In-Chief at IStories

Roman Anin, the founder of IStories, has announced his departure from the position of editor-in-chief. He will be succeeded by Alesya Marokhovskaya, who previously led the publication’s data team.

“I’ve known Alesya for many years; she started her career as an intern in my investigative department at Novaya Gazeta,” says Anin. “And it’s a big question as to who learned more from whom. She inspired me to learn how to code, and besides me, she’s inspired many young journalists, some of whom work with us today. I’m confident that Alesya will succeed — IStories will become even more important and better. My task is to find the resources to make that happen.”

“We have been constantly changing, regrouping, growing, and evolving for more than four years, all while under heavy pressure on our reporters, including constant threats to their lives and freedom. Our team has been tempered by these challenges, and I’m proud to be part of it,” says Alesya Marokhovskaya. “We will continue to bring our readers and viewers what truly matters, without censorship or endless bombardment with every possible news story. Only the essentials and the exclusives.”

Roman Anin will continue his work at IStories as the publisher, primarily responsible for the funding. Since founding the publication in 2020, Anin has combined the roles of editor-in-chief and publisher. However, IStories has grown significantly as an organization and, like other independent Russian media, has been forced to emigrate to avoid wartime censorship and to ensure the safety of its journalists.

“Under such circumstances, I simply no longer had the time to effectively manage the editorial team while also securing the resources for its survival, let alone development,” says Anin. “Additionally, IStories will turn five next year, and I thought it was time for a change so that things don’t become stagnant.”

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