Television and Political Communication in the Late Soviet Union

This study draws on archival sources and oral history to examine how Soviet television involved audiences in political communication. The author argues that Soviet media tested audiences’ emotional commitments to the Soviet lifestyle and its values, thus contributing to the sociopolitical durability of the Soviet Union until perestroika.

Kirsten Bönker is visiting professor of East European history at the University of Göttingen and research fellow at the Gerda Henkel Foundation.

Introduction: Watching Television, Emotional Bonding, and Political Communication in the Late Soviet Union Chapter 1: TV Sets Capturing Soviet Homes Chapter 2: Winning the Time, Hearts and Minds of the Viewers Chapter 3: Negotiating the Boundaries of Popular Culture: Soviet Television, Leisure, and the Educational Mission Chapter 4: Working with "Emotional Means": Soviet Television's Relationship with the Audience Chapter 5: Addressing the Viewer-consumer: Consumer Issues on Soviet TV