Lecture Notes: Propaganda in the Soviet Union

Introduction

• Propaganda & USSR: Soviet propaganda, especially in education and mass media.
• Focus: Evolution and use of Soviet television and radio.

Importance of Mass Media

• Influence of Media: Recognized for its power to guide public opinion and form a communist outlook.
• Tools of Propaganda: TV and radio were state tools for creating a unified Soviet state consciousness.

History of Soviet Television

Early Development

• 1931: Introduction of mechanical televisions; small programs began airing.
• 1932: First motion TV program (May First demonstrations).
• 1933: Production of B2 mechanical television (30x40 mm screen).
• 1934: Regular broadcasts with audio began.
• 1938: Experimentation with electronic TVs in Leningrad and Moscow.

Post-War Developments

• 1945: First post-war broadcast and resumption of regular broadcasts (Dec 15).
• 1950s: Expansion with the introduction of the KVN-49 televisions.
• 1951: TV programming available daily in Moscow.
• 1955: Government decree for further TV development; increase in TV centers.

Further Expansion

• 1960: TV placed at the same level of importance as newspapers.
• 1967: Launch of the orbital satellite and completion of the Ostankino tower, expanding broadcasting capabilities.

Soviet Radio

Early Use and Expansion

• 1917: Use of radio telegraph for important broadcasts.
• 1924: Start of regular radio broadcasts.
• 1930s: Focus on promoting state economy and labor systems.
• During WWII: Mobilization and morale-boosting tool.

Post-War and Further Development

• 1977: Eight radio stations broadcast across the USSR.
• Content: Mix of political information, music, education, and propaganda.

Content and Censorship

• Control: Strict censorship to ensure programming met state guidelines.
• Types of Content: News, educational programs, films, children's programming, sports.
• Censorship Focus: Avoidance of nudity, coarse language, criticism of the Soviet system.

Statistics and Reach

• 1977 Population: 257 million people.
• 1975 Statistics: 60 million owned radios, 55 million owned TVs.
• Comparison with the West: Higher market penetration in the West, fewer ideological constraints.

Conclusion

• Mass Media Effect: Played a crucial role in reinforcing Soviet propaganda and education.
• Difference with the West: Soviet media dictated by government, Western media by market forces.

Additional Resources

• Follow-up: Interest in dissident movements like Radio Liberty and Samizdat.

These notes summarize the key points discussed in the lecture on the evolution and use of Soviet television and radio as tools of propaganda. They outline the historical development, content control, and the broader impact of mass media in the Soviet Union, comparing it with Western practices.