Russian Local Newspapers’ Newsrooms

in a Digital Environment

Olga SmirnovaMoscow State University, Russia

Newspapers of the medium-sized cities and towns of Russia in 2010s Research project conducting by the Faculty

of Journalism of Lomonosov Moscow State University since the beginning of 2013.

There are 1099 medium-sized cities and towns

155 medium-sized cities 780 towns

In total it includes 935 representing 85% of all cities and towns of Russia

The population is 27 310 615 people that represents 28% of the urban population of Russia.

The following elements were included in the sample of the research:

• 26 administrative subjects of the Russian Federation • 55 medium-sized cities and towns • 66 editorial offices of newspapers 

In total 153 editors-in-chief and journalists of local newspapers were interviewed.

Possible answers Percentage (%)

It has become easier to find information on the Internet and check it

69

Working process and process of information transferbecame more operative                                                      

61

Working rhythm became tougher 48

New technologies make constantly learning 45

There is a significant increase in interactivity of communication with the audience through social networks, via e-mail, forums, etc.

44

Technological capabilities  of newspaper production process  are improved                                              

44

If it influences then mark, please, in what direction?

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Possible answers Percentage (%)

Now information can be transmitted over communication channels, i.e. a journalist is less "bound" to  an editorial office because the production process can be "home -based"

40

A journalist's work has become more public and more discussible  therefore it receives positive or unflattering assessments

31

There is a very high pace of work that is why you need to fit into a shorter time than before and it means that the labor intensity is increased significantly

27

Now journalists work rarely  with traditional letters from readers

27

Opportunities for communication with experts and specialists in different spheres increased through Internet networks                                    

26

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Possible answers Percentage (%)

Information becomes more “secondary”, non-exclusive 18

Process of creating  texts became more creative 17

Process of creating texts became less creative 14

A journalist himself  is more rarely  an observer ofevents or seldom communicates directly with their members to gather information for publication                                          

12

New technologies are shifting the focus of attentionfrom the content of journalistic publications to theform of production

8

It is difficult to answer 0

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To sum up The journalistic work in Russian local newspapers

is changing dramatically because of digital and convergent processes in media environment. There is a significant increase in efficiency, working intensity, interactive communication with the audience through social networks.

They have become more technically equipped; there are many possibilities for using digital technologies for the formation and presentation of newspaper's content as well as for communication with the audience.