Media Monitoring In Belarus 2006

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MEDIA MONITORING IN BELARUS: “PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2006 COVERAGE
IN THE BELARUSIAN MASS-MEDIA”

CONCLUSIONS

Introduction

Media situation in Belarus

Electronic data processing results

Propaganda in favor of just one candidate

Conclusions

Appendix 1

5.1 The State owned electronic and print media worked in favor of just one pretender representing him as the only real candidate. As a rule, he was characterized either positively or extremely positively. The presence of other candidates in the same media was minimal, if any at all. And, as a rule, they were portrayed negatively.

5.2 Although the Central Election Commission formally provided candidates with equal opportunities in time and space in State owned media, the broadcasting time it scheduled for candidates' speeches was not favorable for voters. They did not have a real opportunity to get acquainted with candidates' election messages.

5.3 The State run electronic and print media did not supply the candidates with equal direct access. Moreover, in some cases the candidates' speeches were censored.

5.4 In the State owned media, while approaching the date of voting, there increased a number of media effects, extremely negative opinions as regards opposition candidates and extremely positive opinions as regards A.Lukashenka.

5.5 The State owned media actually operated in a propaganda regime. Thus, they were not impartial. And they did not provide voters with a balanced coverage of candidates' activities and messages.

5.6 As a result, the State owned electronic and print media did not complete the basic task to inform voters in a non-biased and objective way, so that well informed voters could make a competent choice at the day of voting.

5.7 Although the independent press strived to give a wide and balanced picture of the Belarusian election process and candidates' messages, it could not withstand the tendentious election coverage by the State owned media due to its limited circulation and non-access to its readership.

Propaganda in favor of
just one candidate

Media Monitoring in Belarus 2006

Appendix 1