The new reality: Crimean and Sevastopol television after 2014

ABSTRACT Almost six years ago the Crimean Peninsula became part of Russia. The article examines television as part of the information field of Crimea and Sevastopol and compares its power during three periods – Soviet, Ukrainian and Russian. Our main attention is given to the current state of television and its transformations within the Russian media system. We argue that the changes that Crimean and Sevastopol TV has undergone since 2014 are mostly beneficial for several reasons: (1) with three multiplexes in place Crimea is becoming one of the most technologically developed regions in terms of TV. (2) Crimean TV today is represented by channels airing 24/7. (3) One hundred percent of content is fully produced in Crimea. We also offer perspective on some current issues the TV market is facing (audience measuring, self-censorship, lack of qualified professionals, licensing problems). We use expert interviews as the main research method and the frontier concept as our theoretical frame.