The media image of the Republic of Crimea: the Russian student's world model

Introduction. In the context of geopolitical confrontation between Russia and the West, the task of purposeful construction of the media image of the Republic of Crimea is of relevance. The objective of this paper is to reveal the communicative and functional as well as the structural and semiotic resources of mass media used in the construction of the media image of the Republic of Crimea on the basis of the study conducted and to obtain a holistic characteristic of this image in the Russian student's world model Materials and Methods. The data of a sociological survey conducted in the spring of 2020 among college students majoring in the humanities and technical fields, were used as the research materials. The structural and functional approach was adopted, which made it possible to identify the structure of the media image, its axiological and pragmatic potential. The interpretation of the data obtained was carried out using the SOPS 17 software package. Linguocultural analysis, based on the indissoluble unity of the language and culture of society, made it possible to identify an axiological characteristic of a media image as a component of the student's world model. Results. The category of media image has been considered as a summation of ideas about the key moments of life and value priorities, conditioned by information from the media and by the recipient's personal interpretation. The data obtained in the study indicate that the main sources of information about the Republic of Crimea are the media, broadcasting a predominantly one-sided discourse, which prevents creation of a holistic image of the peninsula in the world model of a person. Discussion and Conclusion. The study has revealed the need to adjust the media image of Crimea in accordance with modern circumstances and to increase its attractive characteristics, primarily for younger audiences. Changes in the information policy of the state in relation to Crimea are required as well as restructuring of the work of editorial offices and provision of a targeted flow at the federal and regional levels to improve the reputation characteristics of the region and to adjust popular attitudes towards and perceptions of the image of the republic. The materials of the article can be used in fundamental interdisciplinary research into to the images of Russia and Crimea, and in professional activities of PR specialists and journalists.