The article considers the necessity of state ideology as one of the most important spiritual needs
of modern Russia. Attention is focused on the educational function of a journalist in the paradigm of the
modern model of society. It is noted that not only the success, but also the viability of the nation largely
depends on the realization of spiritual needs. The results of empirical research in 2018-2022 allow us to
conclude that the absence of a state ideology does not correspond to the national interests of Russia.