To understand the context of the public discussion on domestic and international issues in the Czech Republic and other former countries of the Soviet Bloc, one has to be aware of the role and impact of domestic and international media in the region. What are the new trends? What is the legacy of the previous decades? A journey into recent history of Central Europe and media tradition of the countries of the region will help to develop an expert opinion about it. In this course we will learn about the journalistic achievements and failures of the past and compare them to current practices. As part of the historical overview we will also discuss the impact of BBC and VOA Czech, Polish and other CE/EE broadcasting during the Cold War, and how it has contributed to shaping the current media environment in Central Europe.

*Please note: In the Spring term, this course is predominantly taken by CEA students.