"This book explores how the Russian media, in particular television, have shaped Russian politics in the post-Soviet era. It examines why the Russian mass media failed so spectacularly to develop as a pillar of civil society and aid to democratization, instead evolving into a mouthpiece for special interests. The book employs a range of data, including public-opinion surveys, content analysis of television news, focus groups, and in-depth interviews, to analyze the Russian elections in the period since 1993."--BOOK JACKET.