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The impact of political and business interests on the contemporary Russian media

Abstract

This thesis examines the impact of political and business interests upon the news content of the contemporary Russian media. The main period of focus is on the era of the Second Republic ( 1991 - ), with an in-depth analysis from 1996 - 2000. I make a brief description of the Soviet era media with the intention of trying to draw any influences which may have carried through into, and influence the present day Russian media. Russia's situation is unique, this has come about through a set of circumstances over a long period of tradition and history. Russian society displays a blending of old and new ideas. To try and explain the contemporary situation the thesis grapples with issues such as corruption, politics and business. By shedding light on these issues, actions and choices made by the participants become more comphrensable. The later chapters of the thesis attempt to identify specific pressures on the media. Media assets have become valued property in contemporary Russia. I endeavour to illuminate any patterns established by those who seek to control the media. Suggestions for the motivations which drive politicians and businessmen to aspire to control the media are advanced, to explain why the media industry is vigorously contested, as the industry itself is very unprofitable. The content of chapter VII seeks to find explanations for the vulnerability of independent media to financial takeover or influence ( from political and business organisations). Among the topics to be covered are events such as the economic crises and an inability of some mass media organisations to make the transition from communism to democracy

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