Regional Military Media Discourse: A Study Of Social Narrative Themes (Based On The Local Media «Trybuna»)

Introduction. The current state humanitarian policy is aimed at strengthening Ukrainian society. In the context of war, Ukrainians themselves have reconsidered the importance of unity. Modern military discourse, in particular, is focused on reinforcing national resilience. Relevance of the study. The focus of scientific interest is the Sumy-based online media «Trybuna», whose media landscape contributes to the formation of historical memory in society. The aim of this article is to outline the specifics of how regional media present social narratives as a tool for shaping historical memory of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Methodology. To conduct the study, general scientific methods of theoretical analysis, comparison, systematization, and generalization of material were applied. The descriptive method and content analysis enabled the characterization of problem-thematic groups of media texts and the identification of factors influencing their creation. This approach allowed for the establishment of conceptual meanings in social narratives, as well as the determination of the meanings and functions of the concept of «war» in socially themed media texts and their role in shaping historical memory of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Results. The Russo-Ukrainian war has influenced the formation and dissemination of social narratives, as well as their problem-thematic content. It has been established that social narratives fall into two thematic groups: #Health and #War. The study found that in the analyzed media outlet, social narratives in the #health_medicine category are the most represented (45%), while the category related to addictions is the least covered (1%). It has been described that narratives within the #Health thematic group differ in content, whereas the conceptual component of the #War group carries a negative connotation, which in media texts may also be implicit. It has been determined that narratives within this category have a greater impact on shaping historical memory regarding people, events, and locations of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Additionally, it has been revealed that the current model of social narratives is formed through various elements, among which the concept of «war», the psychological portrayal of the hero, and the attribution of additional meanings by recipients to events and situations play a significant role. Conclusions. The analysis conducted proves that the individual experience of war, as presented in regional media, is a factor that influences Ukrainian society and is determined by the specifics of broadcasting thematic content and the meanings of the concept of «war».