Media and State-Building in Modern Russia
Mentor 1
Christine Evans
Location
Union 240
Start Date
28-4-2017 12:00 PM
Description
This research project was carried with the intent of developing an understanding on how the role of media within the Russian Federation assists in the project of state building. The specific form of media which was analyzed was the annual broadcast Priamaia Liniia. The broadcast, lasting roughly 4 hours, is run as a Q&A talk show in which Vladimir Putin answers questions on matters of policy given to him by the Russian citizens. A sophisticated media team takes these questions through calls, online-messages, a live studio audience, as well as live broadcasts from cities all over the Russian Federation. Citizens enquire on matters of state as well as make their complaints directly to the president himself, creating a sense of representation among the citizens and efficacy in the political system. These questions fulfill two functions: They help the state gather information and they project lived experiences back to the audience. By answering these questions, Vladimir Putin is able to solidify his own authority as president, as the central figure to which the qualms of Russians are directed. Questions on the economy dominate, with certain topics never being mentioned at all. The relevance of this study lies in the attainment of a greater understanding of the functioning of Russian politics as an end in itself. It reveals the functioning of Russia's hybrid regime and the role of media in facilitating that structure by cementing the authority of the government. Research was carried out by categorizing the questions asked, responses of Putin, interactions of journalists, as well as other factors. The annual broadcasts were then dissected along these lines and the patterns that emerged were the bases for the project's conclusions.
Media and State-Building in Modern Russia
Union 240
This research project was carried with the intent of developing an understanding on how the role of media within the Russian Federation assists in the project of state building. The specific form of media which was analyzed was the annual broadcast Priamaia Liniia. The broadcast, lasting roughly 4 hours, is run as a Q&A talk show in which Vladimir Putin answers questions on matters of policy given to him by the Russian citizens. A sophisticated media team takes these questions through calls, online-messages, a live studio audience, as well as live broadcasts from cities all over the Russian Federation. Citizens enquire on matters of state as well as make their complaints directly to the president himself, creating a sense of representation among the citizens and efficacy in the political system. These questions fulfill two functions: They help the state gather information and they project lived experiences back to the audience. By answering these questions, Vladimir Putin is able to solidify his own authority as president, as the central figure to which the qualms of Russians are directed. Questions on the economy dominate, with certain topics never being mentioned at all. The relevance of this study lies in the attainment of a greater understanding of the functioning of Russian politics as an end in itself. It reveals the functioning of Russia's hybrid regime and the role of media in facilitating that structure by cementing the authority of the government. Research was carried out by categorizing the questions asked, responses of Putin, interactions of journalists, as well as other factors. The annual broadcasts were then dissected along these lines and the patterns that emerged were the bases for the project's conclusions.
