TV vs Internet: who beat whom in Khabarovsk

Prominent Russian publicist Ivan Davydov, in his extensive analysis of what is happening in Khabarovsk, wrote, among other things:

“And one more conclusion, also important: TV in Russia has lost to the Internet. Hushing up the topic on TV does not mean anything at all, there are more than enough channels to receive independent information. The propaganda machine, which had been under construction for two decades, had a serious malfunction.

This means that the Internet will face hard times - the state will launch a new "crusade" against it. After all, the authorities also understand their weaknesses, and defend themselves as best they can..."

It should be noted that this topic has long become one of the favorites of domestic analysts, most of whom agree with Davydov, such as Dmitry Petrov:

“Vanya is very smart and Vanya is right. But here he did not finish a little. Or - gave us the opportunity to develop his thought. So: "the Internet is facing hard times" - writes Vanya. An - no. Hard times await those for whom he is communication, that is, work and life. From this we will draw conclusions..."

However, it seems that both publicists were a little too hasty with such conclusions. Yes, the Internet really played a major role in the consolidation of Khabarovsk residents, so the suppression of protests on television did not help the Kremlin at all, but only hurt. But this does not mean that the Internet has won across the country. No, she remained completely indifferent to these events, as the TV wanted. Here is what journalist Pavel Pryanikov writes on his blog:

“For the first time in five months I held a traditional focus group today. While in mini-format, I hope that in August I will do a full-size focus group. So far, the first conclusions:

- Total distrust of the authorities.

“But this mistrust is not expressed in readiness for mass protests.

- Rather, it is the ultimate escapism - "our life is separate, yours is separate". Russia finally becomes a state of "two nations" - 1% of the upper class and 99% of the rest.

- There is absolutely no topic of Ukraine (Donbass). No longer interested in what is happening there.

- The topic of the West is only interest in the protests there. Fear that minorities can do the same in Russia (especially national minorities).

- Almost nothing is known about Khabarovsk (it is not on TV and mainstream media - there is no “deep people” on the agenda either).

- The desire for a very left-wing economy and a very right-wing politics has intensified even more..."

So, in all things, television is still ahead of the Internet, and apparently this leadership will last for another couple of decades, until a new, “networked” generation comes to replace the generation that grew up on the blue screen and now occupies leading positions in the country's power structures.