Rolle und Gestaltung der Massenmedien in der Sowjetunion
Mass Media in the USSR

Summary/Abstract: The study shows the incompatibility of the Soviet positions with the Western, demo¬cratic ideas about freedom of thought and pluralist media policies. Yet, the propagandistic activities have had their share in bringing about a certain easing of life within the USSR; the media have become more varied, more op-to-date and modern. At the same time, the Brezhnev policy favors greater control by the Party and is suspicious of autonomous developments within the country. Its second characteristic is the use of mass media, party indoctrination and mass agitation for the purpose of increased economic efficiency. Propaganda is still repetitious, pompous and full of clichés. The author also analyzes those mass media which are firmly in the hands of the Party: in addition to censorship, various mechanisms which closely link party leaders and journalists. Today, the entire population is reached by press and radio. Public criticism of concrete mistakes is one of the important duties of the mass media. Letters to the Editor and "Worker and Peasant Correspondents" are expected to serve as safety valves for dissatisfactions and to make the bureaucracy abolish local deficiencies.

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