Russian President Vladimir Putin signed an ordinance creating two state awards for journalists.

the decree, published on the Kremlin website on July 19, creates the award for “Honored Journalist of the Russian Federation” and “Honored Worker in Communication and Information Fields of the Russian Federation”.

Opponents and media freedom groups say Putin has tightened state control over the media since coming to power in 2000, subduing independent broadcasters, limiting coverage of opposition politicians and keeping signs of dissent on television screens.

The murders of several journalists who have sought to expose corruption, including investigative journalist Anna Politkovskaya, have highlighted the risks faced by those who challenge the authorities.

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The decree also specifies that the prizes will be awarded “as a rule” only to those who have worked for 20 years in the field and who are recipients of other state prizes or awards from the Russian Union of Journalists.