This essay analyses the Russian media system on the basis of the concept of comparing media systems developed by Daniel C. Hallin and Paolo Mancini in 2004. Therefore a brief sketch about the Russian media system is given in the second section of this essay. Section three contains an overview about Hallin and Mancini’s approach of comparing media systems, which also will be discussed briefly. The advantages and drawbacks of using this concept on Russia will also be pointed out. In section four the tool mentioned above will be used to analyse the Russian media system. In section five it is discussed whether the Russian media system could fit in one of the three models approached by Hallin and Mancini. Concluding this essay suggests the development of a new fourth model to describe the specifics of Post-Soviet countries.
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction
2.0 The Russian media system in brief
3.0 Hallin and Mancini’s approach
4.0 Analysis of the Russian media system
4.0 Into a new model of media and politics
5.0 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This essay aims to evaluate the Russian media system by applying the analytical framework developed by Daniel C. Hallin and Paolo Mancini. It addresses the central research question of whether the current media landscape in Russia can be classified under one of the three established western media models, or if the specific post-Soviet context necessitates the creation of a new, distinct theoretical model.
- Application of the Hallin and Mancini comparative media systems framework to Russia.
- Analysis of political parallelism and journalistic professionalism in the Russian context.
- Examination of the degree and nature of state intervention in the media.
- Critique of existing western models in explaining the dynamics of post-Soviet media.
- Conceptualization of a potential "Eastern European or Post-soviet Model".
Excerpt from the Book
2.0 The Russian media system in brief
The Russian media system of today, which emerged out of the mostly state-owned and completely state-controlled and censored system of the Soviet Russian era (Koltsova 2006: 22-26 and Gladkov 2002: 34-41), is quite diverse at first glance. According to the CIA (2008), Russia had about 7300 TV stations in 1998 and about 1900 radio stations in 2004. In 2005 about 46000 print items were registered, but only about half of them were really published. The TV sector is the most important media in Russia, with the Russian inhabitants watching around four hours a day (Matzen 2006: 306-307). The biggest TV-channels are Rossija, owned by the state-holding VGTRK (All-Russia State Television and Radio Company), and Pervy. The majority of this company is also in the hands of the state (Matzen 2006: 306-307).
Summary of Chapters
1.0 Introduction: This chapter outlines the purpose of the essay, which is to analyze the Russian media landscape using Hallin and Mancini’s theoretical framework.
2.0 The Russian media system in brief: An overview of the historical transition from Soviet control to the current diverse, yet state-influenced, Russian media environment.
3.0 Hallin and Mancini’s approach: An introduction to the comparative media tool originally designed for western systems, emphasizing three specific dimensions for analysis.
4.0 Analysis of the Russian media system: A detailed application of the selected dimensions to the Russian state, revealing significant state influence and instrumentalization.
4.0 Into a new model of media and politics: A theoretical discussion on why Russia does not fit standard western models, suggesting the need for a specific post-Soviet classification.
5.0 Conclusion: The author summarizes the findings and highlights the requirement for future research into a fourth media model for post-Soviet states.
Keywords
Russian media system, Hallin and Mancini, media and politics, political parallelism, journalistic professionalism, state intervention, post-Soviet, media autonomy, instrumentalization, media models, political system, censorship, oligarchs, television sector, democratization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the structural characteristics of the Russian media system and examines its relationship with political power using an established academic framework.
Which theoretical framework does the author apply?
The study utilizes the comparative media systems approach developed by Daniel C. Hallin and Paolo Mancini in their 2004 book.
What is the primary objective of this work?
The goal is to determine if the Russian media system fits within the models established for western democracies or if it requires a unique, context-specific model.
Which dimensions of the Hallin and Mancini model are specifically used?
The author focuses on three specific dimensions: political parallelism, the development of journalistic professionalism, and the degree and nature of state intervention.
What conclusion does the author reach regarding the Russian media?
The author concludes that the Russian system is heavily influenced by the state and does not align perfectly with western models, suggesting the need for an "Eastern European or Post-soviet Model."
Does the author believe the Russian media is independent?
No, the analysis suggests that the Russian media suffers from high levels of state interference and clientelism, limiting its autonomy.
How is the influence of oligarchs categorized in this paper?
The paper identifies the role of oligarchs as a form of "politicised private capital" or "governmental Oligarchie" that serves power rather than profit.
What is the significance of the "politics-over-broadcast system" definition?
This term describes the high degree of positive government coverage in Russian television, reflecting the state's substantial control over major channels.
How does the author treat the concept of a "majoritarian" versus "consensus" democracy in Russia?
The author argues that while Russia exhibits features of both, it resists simple categorization into Arend Lijphart’s ideal types due to the concentration of power.
- Quote paper
- B.A. Veronika Streuer (Author), 2009, The Media System in Russia, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/128726
