State control of mass media and propaganda (Khrushchev)

• • Rapid growth of television media.
  • Cinema focused on victories during WW2.
  • Consumer magazines aimed at encouraging reader involvement, often ended up indirectly criticising the government.
• • In 1961, millions tuned in to watch Gagarin's Space Voyage live on television.
  • 'Woman Worker' magazine raised awareness about domestic abuse and gender inequalities.
• Consumer magazines under Khrushchev and Brezhnev

  • Under Khrushchev and Brezhnev, magazines were encouraged to publish letters of the readers.
  • However, rather than praising the accomplishments of socialism, the letters often exposed long term, economic issues of the USSR.
  • In magazines, consumers often complained about the scarcity of consumer goods
  • Readers complained about male alcoholism, inequalities in the house relating to childcare and housework, even domestic violence.
• Khrushchev's Media

  • Soviet cinema changed under Khrushchev as part of a broader cultural thaw or liberalisation.
  • Many of the films focused on traditional themes such as the soviet victory in WW2.
  • And the Communist victory during the Civil  War.
  • Television also took off during Khrushchev’s rule.
  • Between 1960-1964, Soviet television was successful in supporting the Communist regime.
  • Played a major role in celebrating the Soviet Union’s success in the Space race.
  • In 1961 millions of people tuned into watch a five hour programme celebrating Yuri Gagarin’s space voyage.