The presidential campaign of 2004 in the Russian media from the Polish press point of view

Łukasz Mikołajczak

The presidential campaign in 2004 in the Russian media is a key indicator of the state of democracy in the country. The methods and means used enabled the press to create a one side view of the presidential candidate, Vladimir Putin, to allow for his re-election. The other candidates' campaigns were ignored or isolated and their protests were neglected or rejected. The mass media were controlled by the government, just a tool in the hands of those in power and any independent publications were forcefully suppressed. The article analyses the presidential campaign in the Russian media and illustrates a ruthless drive to achieve a set goal, using all means possible.

KEYWORDS

Presidential elections, presidential campaign in Russia, the mass media, image in the media