Estonian Mass Media: Past,Present and Future

Abstract

This article examines the mass media in Estonia from their origins, with the appearance of the first newspaper to the present day growth and prospects for development. Using surveys conducted by the authors it examines changing attitudes towards press, radio and TV, and looks at the range of media available to the population. It argues that the Estonian press, never as strictly controlled as the Russian media, has played an important role in politicizing the Estonian people. Finally it examines the question of the autonomy of the Estonian media in relation to Moscow and central state controls.