Andris Saulitis (Collegio Carlo Alberto)

Seminar series “CLOSER, but not quite” – Exploring the Reach of Banned Russian TV Propaganda in Latvia: A List Experimental Approach

Venue: Campus Luigi Einaudi, room 3 D1 01

Abstract. Since June 2022, Latvia has enforced a ban on television channels registered in Russia, aiming to curb the influence of Russian propaganda. Despite the ban, these channels are still accessed through illegal means, posing a legal risk of warnings or fines up to €700 for viewers. This study, engaging a nationally representative sample of 3,314 Latvians, employs a list experiment design to investigate the extent of viewership of these banned channels and to assess self-reporting biases. The findings reveal significant consumption of Russian TV propaganda, underscoring the challenges in enforcing the ban and the persistent impact of Russian media in Latvia. Through analyzing the prevalence and motivations behind viewing banned channels, this research highlights the complexities of media control and the nuanced landscape of information consumption in a geopolitical hotspot.