Results of our studies

IN BRIEF

Most of Russians do not plan ahead to watch the televised debates of State Duma candidates, however, they accept that such programs help better understand candidates’ personalities and their political programs.

MOSCOW, August 23, 2016.  Russian Public Opinion Research Centre (VCIOM) presents the data of the survey describing whether Russians are interested in the TV debates; what kind of conversation they would like to hear.


Political talk shows attract the attention of Russians: 59% of them watch them in varying degrees; however, only 17% watch them regularly. Those who favor them are mainly older generation respondents (32% of persons aged 60 and over), whereas young respondents appear not interested (65% of young respondents who do not watch this kind of TV programs; 56% of those aged 25-34).

The share of Russians who will watch live debates of the State Duma candidates intentionally is 19%; a further 8% will watch recorded programs and their episodes in the Internet. Generally, a potential debate TV audience can reach 74% (including those who unintentionally come across the debates when switching the channels).

At the same time, 42% of respodnents say that televised debates help better understand the candidate’s political program and decide who to vote for. Every fifth Russian considers that the debates are popular because they help to “have the finger on the political pulse” (21%) or just because they are interesting (18%). According to the majority of Russians, debates help the electorate get to know the candidates (72%) as well as their political programs (62%) better.

Respondents are mainly interested in such issues as foreign (21%) and social (18%) policies and economy (18%).

The VCIOM survey was carried out on July 30-31, 2016, using stratified dual-frame random sample based on the complete list of telephone numbers operating in Russia, and involved 1600 respondents. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error with 95% confidence interval does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the field work can introduce bias into the survey.

Today there are many political talk shows such as “Poedinok”, “Pravo golosa”et cet., where participants are  engaged in disputes and debate. Do you watch similar programs or not? (closed-ended question, one answer, %)

 

Total respondents 

Aged  18-24

Aged  25-34

Aged  35-44

Aged  45-59

Aged  60 and more

Yes, I watch them often

17

3

4

10

22

32

Yes, I watch them sometimes

42

32

40

40

45

45

I rarely watch them

41

65

56

50

33

23

Don’t know

0

0

0

0

0

0

In your opinion, why do people watch televised debates between candidates for State Duma deputies? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, answers mentioned by at least  1% of respondents)

 

Total respondents 

To know the candidate’s position, his/her program / to make a choice

42

To keep up with the developments /to keep up with politics

21

Interesting/as an entertainment  

18

Hoping for a better life

4

Interesting to know what they will promise to us

3

Interesting statements of politicians

3

Truth is sprout in discussions

2

I like scandals

2

People want to know answers to their questions

1

They support certain parties

1

Other

1

Don’t know

19

In your opinion, are televised debates helpful…? (closed-ended question, one answer per each line,  %)

 

Definitely yes

Rather yes

Rather no

Definitely no

Don’t know

In drawing up an opinion about leaders, political parties’ members; in understanding what kind of people they are

22

50

16

9

3

In shedding light on the objectives and missions of the parties participating in elections

15

47

22

11

5

Are you going to watch the televised debates in the near future?  (closed-ended question, one answer, %)

 

Total respondents

Moscow and St.Petersburg

Million cities

More than 500 ths

100–500 ths

Less than 100 ths

Rural area

Yes, I am planning to watch the televised debates; I will try to find out the broadcasting time and date in advance

19

16

13

13

15

20

25

I will watch the televised debates if I suddenly come across them when switching the channels; I will not look for them intentionally

24

19

21

30

26

21

27

I will watch the televised debates if I suddenly come across them, given that there is nothing more interesting on the TV at that moment (or until something interesting starts)

23

25

22

26

24

23

21

I will watch the debate episodes in the Internet

8

9

7

7

7

12

6

I will not watch them, even if I suddenly come across them

24

30

37

24

27

23

16

Don’t know

2

1

0

0

1

1

5

If you watched televised debates, which political topics were you interested in? (open-ended question, not more than three answers, answers mentioned by at least  1% of respondents)

 

Total respondents

Foreign policy/relations with other states

21

Economy

18

Social policy

18

Human well-being /salary

13

Pension

12

Education

12

Health care system

11

Price increase / inflation

8

Agriculture/cattle breeding

7

Housing and utilities sector/capital repairs

5

Urban and rural development/ development of regions 

5

Automobile topic: roads / taxes/gasoline

5

Country’s  security /military conflicts

4

Unemployment

4

Housing

3

Future of Russian citizens / country

3

Children topic: kindergartens / benefits

3

Industry

3

Sport development

2

Flight for power/elections

2

Corruption

2

Business

2

Army

2

Ecology

1

Youth development

1

Culture

1

Inactivity/authorities’ lawlessness

1

Taxation

1

Import/export

1

Adopted laws

1

Development of science and technology

1

Food quality

1

Migration

1

None

1

All topics

1

Other

3

Don’t know

18

Note: Using materials from the websites www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory.

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