The reunification of Crimea with Russia in Vremya news program on Channel One: a political analysis

The paper reveals the details, political focus, and dynamics of TV news coverage of the reunion of Crimea with Russia, one of the most important events for the country and society in the early 21st century, in 2014-2018 by a case study of Vremya newscast on Channel One. Based on the cross-temporal analysis, the author identifies the trend in changing total broadcasting time for the integration issue. The research determines the specific features of setting the news agenda, the rotation of the main semantic sub-themes of the media content related to the reunification, and the basic techniques of impact on the audience. The study substantiates the importance of the connotative component of news programs that should result in expressive evaluations. The author concludes that extensive TV news coverage of the reunification of Crimea with Russia contributes to the consolidation of the Russian society, and a qualified interpretation of the key political event of recent years is an important prerequisite for the effective implementation of Russian information policy.