Experts from the Center for Monitoring Public Opinion of the North Caucasus Federal District (SKFU) have released a media rating for the heads of the regions in this area, revealing significant insights into their public presence and engagement from January 1 to March 31, 2025. This analysis highlights the most pressing topics in the news cycle, particularly the special military operation (SVO) in Ukraine and various positive developments within the North Caucasus regions.
Leading the media rating is Ramzan Kadyrov, the head of the Chechen Republic, who amassed an impressive 221,125 points in the MediaIndex. His prominent position is attributed to his active coverage of the SVO, which has been a focal point for many regional leaders. Kadyrov's media presence was bolstered by key events, including his expression of gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for recognizing the efforts of the Akhmat special forces and the awarding of crew members from a recent plane crash.
Following Kadyrov is Vladimir Vladimirov, the Governor of the Stavropol Territory, who secured second place with 172,390 points. His rise in the ranking can be traced back to his high media activity, which included live broadcasts and initiatives to support the SVO. Vladimirov's attention to local volunteer efforts and community engagement has also positively influenced his media presence.
In third place is Sergey Melikov, the head of Dagestan, with 104,317 points. Melikov's media strategy included a focus on regional achievements, such as a meeting with President Putin where he reported on a record grape harvest and an increase in tourism. His proactive approach to media engagement has kept him relevant in the public discourse.
Other notable figures include Sergey Menyaylo of North Ossetia, who scored 71,672 points. His media coverage included assistance efforts for citizens affected by fraud in a local car dealership, showcasing his commitment to addressing community issues. Rashid Temrezov, the head of Karachay-Cherkessia, followed closely with 23,775 points, benefiting from a timely response to emergencies that captured media attention.
Kazbek Kokov, leading Kabardino-Balkaria, garnered 23,450 points, largely due to his decision to double payments to veterans of the Great Patriotic War, a move that resonated well with the public and was widely reported. Meanwhile, Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov of Ingushetia attracted 16,664 points, thanks to the launch of the "Path of Heroes" personnel program and the transfer of Yak-7B aircraft fragments to a local memorial, which highlighted his region's historical significance.
Analyst Alexander Karmanov from the SKFU emphasized the trends observed in the first quarter of 2025, stating, "In the first quarter of 2025, we are observing a high concentration of information activity around topics related to the SVO and regional development. The leaders of the media rating are the heads of subjects who not only actively interact with the federal agenda, but also demonstrate sustainable information presence through regional cases." This suggests a strategic shift among regional leaders to engage more effectively with both local and national narratives.
The MediaIndex, as clarified by the press service, is a metric developed by the Medialogy system that qualitatively analyzes the effectiveness of public relations efforts. It employs linguistic analysis technology, a methodology created in collaboration with mathematicians and media analysts, to provide a comprehensive view of media engagement.
This analysis of the media landscape in the North Caucasus reveals a dynamic interplay between regional leadership and public perception. As these leaders navigate complex socio-political issues, their media strategies reflect both their responsiveness to federal directives and their commitment to regional development. The prominence of the SVO in the media narrative underscores its importance in shaping public discourse and the actions of regional leaders.
In conclusion, the data from the SKFU highlights not only the media presence of regional leaders in the North Caucasus but also the underlying themes that resonate with the public. As these leaders continue to engage with both local and national issues, their ability to maintain a strong media presence will be crucial in influencing public opinion and fostering community trust.
