The mass media as participants in the election process of the Russian Federation

The electoral process in the Russian Federation is one of the most dynamically developing spheres of life of the state. This is due to the fact that the institution of elections is very important for a modern democratic society. Taking into account the active informatization and digitalization of modern Russian society and the state, the activities of the mass media are of significant importance now. They simultaneously perform several functions in the Russian electoral process, and at present there is an urgent need for a comprehensive and complete regulation of the organizational and legal features of their activities. Over the past ten years, television channels and television programs have played an important role in the election campaign process. The purpose of this work is to analyze the participation of the media in the Russian electoral process. The authors come to the conclusion that at present the mass media perform a number of functions that are of particular importance for the institution of elections in Russia. Legal gaps are highlighted in relation to differences in the content of the concept of "mass media", which is used in the legislation of the Russian Federation, in connection with which the author's proposals are formulated to improve the current electoral legislation.

electoral law and process, elections in the Russian Federation, mass media, participants in the electoral process, electoral legislation