Citation

Miazhevich G. Telev. New Media 2011; 12(1): 23-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1527476410365704

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article addresses the mediation of interethnic cohesion issues in Russian news and discussion programs, exploring the contradictions inherent in media consensus building in a post-totalitarian Russia beset by rising xenophobia. Operating under the theoretical umbrella of Laclauan hegemony modified for the post-Soviet context, it treats issues of framing, voice, structure of dialogue, and the role of the host. The article focuses on coverage of the ethnic tensions awakened in summer 2006 by the Kondopoga riots. In a case study of the political discussion show Vremena, it highlights the difficulties the state encounters in grounding the official tolerance program promoted by evening news bulletins in a consensus position on ethnic cohesion. Consequently, it argues that Vremena becomes both the site for an ill-managed outpouring of xenophobia and a platform for its host’s pseudo-liberalism. Finally, this dual problematic is mapped onto two competing elements in the show’s hybrid format.