ОСОБЕННОСТИ МЕДИЙНОГО ИМИДЖА СЕВЕРНОГО КАВКАЗА: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ МАТЕРИАЛОВ ПРОВЛАСТНЫХ И ОППОЗИЦИОННЫХ СМИ

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to identify the key features of the media image of this region in the pro-government and opposition media. It is stressed that in modern Russian science there is a shortage of scientific research devoted to the analysis of the nature of representation of the North Caucasus in the information space. About 904 media texts published on the official websites of six media outlets: “Rossiyskaya Gazeta”, “Novaya Gazeta”, “Vesti FM” and “Voice of America” radio stations, “Perviy” and “CNN” TV channels constitute the empirical base of the study The methodological basis of the analysis is a combination of “manual” and computerized methods of processing textual information. As a result, the compositions of attributive agendas formed by the media in relation to the North Caucasus are determined. The prevailing tone of messages about this region is assessed. The quantitative parameters of media materials are analyzed (levels of their readability, wateriness, classical and academic nausea, as well as the quality of texts according to Zipf’s law) and specifics of coverage of issues related to the North Caucasus in the media loyal and opposed to the current Russian government are compared. The possible prospects for further research on this issue are outlined.