Keywords
media reality
media events
public events
temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia region
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction. The full-scale russian invasion has led to the temporary occupation of hundreds of Ukrainian cities and villages in Zaporizhzhia region. In September 2022, russians conducted so-called referendums in the newly occupied territories, aimed at attempting to legitimize the seizure of sovereign Ukrainian territory. In their efforts to advance occupation policy, shape a positive image among local residents, and garner international support, russians actively use propaganda and construct a media reality regarding the newly occupied lands. A wide range of tools is used for its creation, including media events.
Relevance of the study. As media events significantly influence public opinion formation, we consider it relevant to analyze their role in constructing media reality, using example of the temporarily occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia region.
Methodology. The research used such methods monitoring, methods of analysis and synthesis, and systematization. To achieve the research objective, materials from pro-russian Telegram channels in Zaporizhzhia region were reviewed: Zaporizhzhia Vestnik, Vladimir Rogov, #YouthSouth for the period from June to September 2022.
Results. It has been determined that media events are used for constructing media reality, as they have an impact on shaping public opinion. Additionally, it has been identified that among the media events utilized by russian propagandists in the Zaporizhzhia region are flash mobs, exhibitions, campaigns, cleanup activities, concerts, volunteer events, talent shows, and agitation. The analysis of these media events indicates that their primary objective is to foster loyalty toward russia among Ukrainians in the temporarily occupied territories and create a fake legitimization of the occupation.
Conclusions. We analyzed the russian media reality, constructed for influencing citizens of temporarily occupied territories. We believe that understanding the role of media events in constructing media reality serves as a supplementary means of comprehending media environment in the temporarily occupied territories and for the future reintegration of residents.
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