THE IMAGE OF MUSLIMS IN THE FEDERAL MASS MEDIA: THE MYTH OF «OUTSIDERS» AND «ENEMIES OF RUSSIA» AS A THREAT TO THE UNITY OF THE NATION

Abstract

The author shows a discrepancy in understanding of the need for government regulation of the media in a democratic society so as to all political forces and all organizations that represent them have equal rights of access to the information space, which they almost could implement. It is important that the media fulfi ll their basic social functions, promote the consolidation of society to solve the socio-economic and other problems, which form the basic policy. The author also notes that the government should provide citizens with equal opportunities in the informational fi eld, to reduce the impact of authority and commercial structures on the media for the purpose that the press would be primarily controlled by the civil society.