Transition Features of the Russian Regional Press to Digital Technology

Abstract

The regional press plays an important role in the formation of the urban media space. The article examines the adaptation features of the Russian regional press to the changing the digital environment conditions. Despite the slight increase in circulation and audience of print media, the Russian regional press continues to experience a number of difficulties associated with a lack of funding, influence from government agencies, the implementation of government tasks, an aging audience, and publication of news in printed editions with a long delay. Publications are trying to adapt to changing conditions, looking for new ways not only to earn money, but also to attract an audience. Some sites are either a copy of the printed edition or are updated quite rarely. Nevertheless, digitalization does not mean the death of the Russian regional press. The study was based on interviews conducted by the authors in 2021-2023 with the heads of Russian regional newspapers. The authors also conducted a content analysis of materials posted on newspaper websites. The article is the first to examine successful cases of regional press. To attract the widest possible number of subscribers and, in general, active consumers of information products, the content of regional media must be exclusive, prompt, reliable, dialogic (providing different points of view), and multimedia. Unfortunately, Internet resources of Russian regional print media do not always meet these criteria. Digitalization does not mean death for traditional media; it is rather a new opportunity to conquer new “territories”, attract audiences, and implement new tasks. However, the development of local publications is hampered by the policies of government agencies that put pressure on editorial offices. Officials do not understand the specifics of journalistic work. Only a few regional publications manage to cope with existing problems, find sources of funding and attract new audiences.