MASS MEDIA IN COUNTRIES WITH AUTHORITARIAN POLITICAL REGIME

Abstract

The article examines the problem of media functioning in countries with authoritarian regimes. The peculiarities of media functioning in the context of restrictions on freedom of speech and ideological propaganda have been analyzed. By analyzing the political regimes of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus and the Peoples Republic of China, it has been proven that authoritarian tendencies depend on many socio-cultural factors, as well as on the historical past of the country. The historical component of the origin of the invasive ideology of the Russian Federation has been determined. The main factors that characterize the political ideology of the Russian Federation have been taken into consideration, the main features of “rashism” have been mentioned, and its negative impact on the Ukrainian state has been shown. The article analyzes the main factors of the formation of the self-elected president and his acquisition of power in the Republic of Belarus. The methods of his political rhetoric in relation to the media and the sociopolitical transformations inherent in the country have also been identified and evaluated. The article also evaluates the place and role of the media in the context of the Chinese political apparatus. It has been discovered that over time, the methodology of presenting ideologically correct information requires reorganisation and novelty for its successful functioning. The importance of internal or external threats for the development of authoritarian tendencies in the country has been shown. It has been established that the main lever of the authoritarian foundations in the field of mass media is placed on the ‘tamed journalists’ who are the core of propaganda. Meanwhile, their main task is to cover information to «whitewash» the actions of the authorities. Objective coverage of information in authoritarian states can only be provided with the help of independent media, which is usually in deep opposition. The work of independent media in the condition of authoritarianism is being comprehensively oppressed by the ruling elite.