Analysis of the Image of Russia and Belarus Formed in The Union State Print Media (And Their Electronic Analogues)

Abstract

High-quality print press of Russia and Belarus is actively involved in the coverage of the communication process between these countries. At the present stage the legacy of the Soviet Union continues to influence on interaction between the countries. Both countries form their own identity on the basis of patriotism and love for their Homeland. These trends have a negative impact on the development of the Union State, as neither side is ready to sacrifice its identity, which will inevitably lead to a change in the format of relations. The aim of the study is to identify the image of Russia formed in the quality press of the Republic of Belarus, and the image of Belarus formed by the quality press of Russia. The author reveals the image of the country, which consists of a spatial image, the image of the population, the image of power and the image of the leader. The formation of the image is influenced by object, subject, spatial, temporal and communication factors. The analysis uses cognitive, behavioral, and emotional positions. Empirical base of research: during the study publications for the period 2015-2019 of three Russian newspapers – “Rossiyskaya Gazeta”, “Kommersant”, “Vedomosti” and three Belarusian newspapers – “Belarus today”, “Belgazeta”, “Belarusian business newspaper” were analyzed with method of qualitative and quantitative content analysis.  For the quantitative analysis 11 462 messages in the qualitative press of the Union State were considered. Qualitative analysis showed the difference in the presentation of materials: in the communication space of the Republic of Belarus the image of Russia is shown neutrally, and in the Russian media the Republic of Belarus is presented positively and neutrally.