The role of micro-regional web portals in the local government election campaigns 2010-2014

Abstract

Local media, including local websites, play an extremely important role during the local elections. This article reflects issues related to the evolution of the role of micro-portals during the electoral campaigns of 2010 and 2014. Qualitative and quantitative content analysis of selected private micro-portals was carried out. It was found that they undergo dynamic transformations in the construction and offered functionality and increasingly mobilize their audience. In addition, they are characterized by constant restraint regarding the coverage of controversial issues related to the election campaign. The functions of the micro-region portals dynamically have changed, which indicates the existence of different types of approach to the situation of the local elections. Thus there is no single dominant type of activity of sites in relation to the situation of the elections at the local level.