Media reflection of the Special Military Operation theme on the regional television of the North Caucasus

This article presents the findings of a study on the specific ways the theme of the Special Military Operation (SMO) is reflected in media, specifically on contemporary television in the North Caucasus (based on media from two regions). Corresponding to the different methods of reflecting reality in news and editorial television journalism, the following research questions were formulated: (1) How is the theme of the SMO covered in news programs of television companies in Stavropol Krai and Dagestan? (2) What are the specific characteristics of the media reflection of the SMO in the regional television editorial content of Stavropol Krai and the Republic of Dagestan? The study of programs from branches of VGTRK in Stavropol Krai and Dagestan, as well as the regionally administered channels “SvoyoTV. Stavropol Krai” and RGVK “Dagestan”, revealed that they use different formats and methods of presenting information to represent the theme of the Special Military Operation. This is based on the region’s inherent tradition of heroizing warrior-defenders. Editorial teams are in constant search of forms to reflect the armed conflict, developing their repertoire from neutral news reports to complex media constructs at the intersection of editorial journalism and drama. The news programs of these channels, while exhibiting some differences in their choice of news topics, collectively provide multifaceted and detailed information to the audience on topics related to the regions’ involvement in the SMO. The persuasiveness of the coverage is enhanced by the use of monologues from the heroes of the reports, the selection of authoritative experts, and by focusing the audience’s attention on the connection between generations and the missions of the warriors of the Great Patriotic War and the SMO. Furthermore, news stories by Dagestani journalists are also characterized by a “motivational” narrative strategy, stemming from traditions of mutual aid and support, and by the special place given to the image of the warrior’s mother. In analytical talk shows, a technique such as direct characterization is widely used, as the host plays an important role. The host seeks to draw the viewer’s attention to how global socio-political trends influence events in the region and, through a personal interpretation of events, helps the viewer form an attitude towards the fighters, their combat missions, and their feats. Editorial television programming about the SMO, employing diverse formats (interview, sketch, feature story, TV magazine, docudrama) and audio-visual means, presents the participants of the SMO in greater detail. The specificity of the media presence of SMO participants in the regional television broadcast is influenced by the frontier status and historical context of the North Caucasus’s recent past. Journalists of regional television companies present SMO participants as fellow countrymen, as brothers. They not only shape the images of people helping the country defend its national interests but also create an image of the soldier and officer for whom service is a form of devotion. The authors declare no conflicts of interests.

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