Argues that, in the case of Poland, media history is best seen as a series of expansions and retractions of press freedom. Advocates a new press culture, both on the part of journalists and their audiences, in addition to the establishment of freer press laws and financially sound institutions. (SR)

Discusses media-related changes in Russia, Poland, and Hungary since the 1980s. Reviews current media theories in the United States for their ability to guide research into media processes in these three countries. Finds that much media research has paid insufficient attention to economic forces, international relations, the state, political…