Born on October 12, 1958, in Moscow. In 1979, graduated from the faculty of General economics of the Moscow Plekhanov's Institute of People's economy.

Worked at a scientific research institute, where tried, according to his own words, "deal in the real Soviet" economy. After leaving the institute in 1985, graduated from a professional college with the speciality of redwood carpenter. Worked as a non-qualified labourer at the Literature museum, as a guard of Pasternak's dacha in the village of Peredelino, as a private history tutor.

In 1987, started to study sociology, wrote analytical essays.

In late 1989, was invited to work as a reporter of the politics department of the "Commersant" newspaper, where went through, as he puts it, "a very useful school". In 1990, he was in chief of the economics department of the "Nezavisimaya gazeta" (The Independent newspaper). In 1993, participated in the establishment of the "Segodnya" (Today) newspaper, where later was the first deputy to the editor-in-chief.

Since April, 1997, author and host of the "Na samom dele" (As it really is) program at the TV Centre channel. Since early 1999, host of the "Odnako" program at ORT. Laureate of the "Golden feather of Russia" journalist award.

Considers TV work harmful "for physical and psychic health". At home, has a Russian spaniel hound and lots of aquarium fish.

Married, has three children and one granddaughter.