Reflection of the Problems of Interethnic Relations in the Russian Media

The article is an attempt to comprehend the current publications of the Russian media space in the context of various aspects of national and ethnic identity, harmonization of interethnic relations. The authors consider the images of external labor migrants constructed by the media (hereinafter referred to as the media), and the negative attitudes that have developed in society towards them.

Aim. The aim of the article is to show the problems of objectivity in the presentation of information about interethnic relations in the Russian media, to determine how publications in the media form the level of tolerance in society, and also to identify the role of the media space in countering the spread of xenophobia, nationalism and neo-fascism.

Tasks. To achieve this goal, the article solves several key tasks: the concept of “interethnic relations” is analyzed, the factors determining their state and conflict potential are identified, the mechanism of discursive construction of interethnic relations is revealed, differences in approaches to covering interethnic conflicts in various Russian print and electronic publications are shown.

Methods. The methodological basis of the work was the scientific methods of comparative system analysis, aimed at a comprehensive study of the media as a mechanism for regulating interethnic relations. The main method was content analysis of texts of print and electronic federal and regional media, articles, messages, Internet editions, bloggers’ comments, messages on social networks and text messages from various sources reflecting the problems of interethnic relations. Intent analysis of publications made it possible to determine a set of lexemes, the purpose of which is to create a negative image of the subject of the story.

Results. Based on the results of the content analysis, the main substantive and evaluative characteristics of interethnic relations in society, the contradictions in the formation of the image of external migrants present in the modern media space and a description of possible interaction strategies that Russian society is ready for at present were identified. The mechanism of discursive construction in the form of texts that provoke emotional perception of external migration over texts that contribute to its rational comprehension has been determined.

Conclusions. The analysis showed the weak role of the media in reflecting the problems of interethnic relations. Functionally, the activities of the media are aimed at ensuring interethnic harmony and regulating interethnic relations, however, to a greater extent, negative rhetoric towards foreign migrants prevails in the Russian media, which increases the level of migrant phobia among the population.

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