According to a 2016 poll by the independent Levada Center, 80% of Russians view television as their primary source of news. The same Levada poll, however, shows that only 41% trust the news as an objective source of information. The broadcasts sampled here are from Russia’s most-watched channels: First Channel and Russia Channel.
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First Channel gave a very short report on statements made by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on US – Russia relations. The report maintains a flat, matter-of-fact tone while starting negatively and ending on a positive note.
First, the main negative arguments were framed by recent events in Venezuela, where the US and Russia have been at opposing ends. While the US has actively worked to bring down the Maduro government, Russia has actively supported it. Lavrov was quoted as saying that the US intends to “drown and press” other countries “for the sake of maintaining its exclusivity in the world.”
The report then shifted, however, to positive aspects of the two countries’ relationship. Despite all this, between Moscow and Washington, there are disagreements, but productive contacts continue including on issues such as space, Afghanistan, and the Korean Peninsula.
Phrases to watch for:
особенности внешней политики – features of foreign policy
топить и прижимать другие страны – drown and press other countries
ради сохранения в мире своей исключительности – for the sake of maintaining its exclusivity
наглядная иллюстрация – evident illustration
не оставляют попыток свергнуть режим – continue attempting to overthrow the regime
получили перевес – got the advantage
разногласия есть, но контакты продолжаются – there are disagreements, but contacts continue
