Rethinking the Social Role of the Media in a Society in Transition

Abstract: This article examines the process of rethinking the social role of mass media in a transitional society through analysis of its understanding by the main actors of mass communication in post-communist Belarus--Power, Media, and Public. Based on the results of various recent surveys and within the framework of conceptions of media as a "fourth estate'' and as a guarantor of "participatory democracy,'' its author argues that free enterprise is the most efficient mechanism of this process. Résumé: Cet article examine le processus de repenser le rôle des médias dans une société en transition; il analyse comment ce rôle est compris par les principaux acteurs en communications de masse dans la Biélorussie post-communiste, en mettant l'accent sur pouvoir, médias et public. Se fondant sur les résultats de diverses études récentes et sur les conceptions des médias comme "quatrième pouvoir'' et comme assureurs d'une démocratie participative, l'auteur affirme que la libre entreprise est le mécanisme le plus efficace pour démocratiser les médias

Generational effects of culture and digital media in former Soviet Republics

Abstract In public opinion, social and digital media provide means for influence as well as sorting according to pre-existing values. Here we consider types of media usage versus opinion using new polling results in the former Soviet republics (FSRs) of Belarus, Ukraine, and Georgia. Over 1000 individuals in each country were asked about a news event (the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol) and about the long-term future of their country. We find that year of birth and country of residence, rather than self-reported media reliance, consistently predicted the respondents’ views, particularly on the future of their country. The timing of these differences suggests a cultural difference between generations growing up in the Soviet Union (likely more pro-Russian) versus afterward, in an FSR (more pro-Western). Whereas digital media choice is somewhat correlated with perceptions of a recent, international news event, the more predictive factors are longer-term cultural values and age cohorts within each nation

Electoral integrity and support for democracy in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine

The expansion of democracy following the collapse of communism in 1989–1990 led many to believe that democratic institutions would rapidly take root. However, over the past decade, electoral malpractice has become widespread, casting doubt on democratic consolidation. This paper examines the causes and consequences of weak electoral integrity in Belarus, Russia, and the Ukraine. Using a series of opinion surveys conducted since 2000, we show that public perceptions of electoral unfairness have their roots in seeing widespread corruption among public officials. By contrast, viewing elections as fair correlates with support for the incumbent government, and in watching television, the latter showing the importance to the regimes of control of the mass media. In turn, views about electoral integrity have a significant impact on satisfaction with democracy, especially in Belarus. The results suggest that only root and branch reform in the post-communist societies will substantially improve public perceptions of electoral integrity