lemonde.fr
Mainstream Media's Role in Eastern European Illiberalism
In Hungary and Serbia, government-controlled mainstream media, including television stations and tabloids, spread propaganda, unlike the common perception of social media as the main driver of illiberal trends; this highlights the importance of media capture in shaping public opinion.
- How do the cases of Hungary and Serbia exemplify the impact of media control on political discourse and public opinion?
- Research on Eastern Europe reveals that while social media can spread misinformation, the mainstream media's role in promoting illiberal attitudes is more significant when controlled by ruling political actors or their allies. In Hungary, the Fidesz party controls most media; in Serbia, commercial TV stations and tabloids with ties to the ruling elites dominate.
- What are the long-term implications of mainstream media capture for democratic resilience in Eastern Europe, and what strategies could effectively counter this trend?
- The capture of mainstream media by illiberal forces creates a systemic problem, hindering resistance. Social media can become a space for opposition, but only when mainstream media is thoroughly dominated by the illiberal forces. This suggests that strategies to counter illiberal trends must target media capture directly.
- What is the primary role of mainstream media in the rise of illiberalism in Eastern Europe, and how does this challenge common perceptions about the role of social media?
- In Hungary and Serbia, government-aligned media outlets, including public broadcasters and commercial TV stations, disseminate propaganda, shaping public opinion and bolstering illiberal regimes. This contrasts with the perception that social media is the primary driver of illiberal trends.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the role of mainstream media in spreading false information and illiberal attitudes, particularly in Eastern Europe. While acknowledging the role of social media in electoral mobilization and foreign interference, the narrative prioritizes the negative impact of mainstream media, potentially downplaying the influence of other factors.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and academic, avoiding loaded terms. However, phrases like "colonized the vast majority of the media market" and "channels of government propaganda" could be perceived as somewhat charged.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses heavily on Eastern Europe, potentially omitting examples from other regions where mainstream media or social media might play different roles in the spread of illiberal attitudes. This omission could limit the generalizability of the conclusions.
False Dichotomy
The text presents a dichotomy between mainstream media and social media as drivers of illiberal attitudes, potentially oversimplifying the complex interplay between different media actors and their influence.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the negative impact of mainstream media and political actors in spreading false information and promoting illiberal attitudes, undermining democratic institutions and processes. This directly affects the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.