Comparative Analysis of Professional Mass Media and Telegram Channels Information Content News Production (On the Case of Dzerkalo Tyzhnya and Ukrayina Sejchas)

Abstract

A comparative analysis of journalistic texts in the so-called new media (Telegram channel “Ukrayina Sejchas”) and professional media (online publication “Dzerkalo tyzhnya”) is conducted in the paper. The similarities and differences of the content are clarified (by topic, the most popular personalities who become the heroes of the news, compliance with the standards of accuracy and separation of facts from comments, or the neutrality of the news). The research method is computer analysis of texts using Python modules and Spacy natural language processing library. It was found that the most popular topic for both media was Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine; Zelenskyi, the General Staff, the Armed Forces, and Putin were mentioned more often. However, at the same time, the Telegram channel bets on hot news from the regions closest to the front line, while the professional mass media takes care of the international agenda. Also, the content of the US is more about personalities, while the DT prefers institutions, some of which are other mass media. Therefore, the online mass media also accumulates exclusive messages from other professional mass media. However, the telegram channel’s attempt to report news as quickly as possible also leads to a violation of standards, in particular accuracy: the telegram channel can report an explosion or missile attack almost immediately as it happened, without having enough facts. The same applies to photos and videos, published as some evidence. Another difference between the Telegram channel and the professional media is that they do not always adhere to the standard of separating facts from comments. Therefore the channel not only report news, but also comment, ironize, etc. The performed analysis allows us to talk about a certain distribution of functions of new and professional media. Telegram channels better adhere to the rule of convergence of interests, and also produce content that is easier to perceive. However, without professional mass media, which will publish the so-called hard news – socially significant messages coming from various institutions and international organizations, as well as check the hot news reported by telegram channels, one cannot talk about an effective media system.