Transformation of Professional Practices and Content Strategies of Modern Russian Military Television Journalism (2023–2025)

Introduction. In the context of hybrid conflicts and digital transformation of the media environment, the profession of war correspondent is undergoing a profound transformation. The object of the study is the professional activity of Russian television war correspondents over the period 2023–2025. The aim of the study is to identify the key vectors of evolution of professional practices and content strategies of Russian television war correspondents.

Materials and Methods. The empirical base comprises reports by correspondents of Channel One (G. Huseynov, A. Prokofieva, I. Kuksenkova, E. Poddubny) selected by purposive sampling according to the following criteria: chronological coverage, genre diversity, and distinctive individual style. To analyse institutional changes in professional training, materials from the educational project “School of the Young War Correspondent” are used as a source that records normative expectations and emerging professional standards. The methods of content analysis, comparative analysis and case study are applied. For the analysis of reports, a categorical grid was developed, comprising three blocks: visual (stand-ups, live shots, close-ups, FPV inserts), verbal (metaphors, invectives, rhetorical questions, volume of voice-over text), and technological (use of action cameras, selfie format, Telegram channels).

Results. It is established that the modern Russian war correspondent combines work in a state media corporation with maintaining a personal Telegram channel, which creates dual legitimacy. The content strategy of dramatisation is implemented through a system of visual (stand-ups, live shots, close-ups, FPV inserts) and verbal techniques. Based on empirical analysis, three individual strategies have been identified (author's typology): tactical-explanatory, immersive-blogger, and strategic-ideological. The following systemic transformations of professional practices have been identified: the shift from an objective camera to a subjective one, the shift from a single-channel to multi-platform approach, hybridisation of genres, and the emergence of the “journalist-helper” model.

Conclusion. Military journalism retains the function of testimony while transforming formats and communication channels. The key challenge remains the balance between patriotic stance and professional integrity. The study results can be used in editorial and educational work. The prospects for further research include studying the reception and comparison of Russian and international practices of military journalism.