The paperboys of Russian messaging: RT/Sputnik audiences as vehicles for malign information influence

This article examines the reception and dissemination of ‘malign information influence’ (MII) in a liberal democracy; sponsored by authoritarian regimes or other hostile actors projected through international broadcasting outlets across borders. The study contributes to scarce research on narratives transmitted Russian state-supported media platforms RT Sputnik, exposing characteristics, political attitudes, sharing behaviors RT/Sputnik consumers. A nationwide, representative survey (n: 3033) from November 2020 revealed surprisingly high number Swedish consumers (7%), with an overrepresentation young, men supports non-parliamentarian parties right wing, nationalist Sweden Democratic Party. These are somewhat more willing than non-consumers disseminate news social real life despite being distrustful sources. findings strengthen previous demonstrating attractiveness identity grievance among alternative consumers, yet results show that also aligned contrasts national security policy. They state less trust politicians, institutions, media, news, journalism, comparatively prone share unreliable untrue content life. analysis thus identified section who can function as vehicles for MII. under-researched problem potential MII take root provides basis future qualitative refine provide nuance knowledge