Modelling media functions in emerging transformation processes by comparing actor constellations and structural conditions in Eastern Europe in 1989 and in North Africa 2011

• Applicants: Dr. Indira Dupuis; Professorin Dr. Carola Richter
• Subject Area: Communication Sciences
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 273811628

The research project focuses on the beginning of the transformation processes in Eastern Europe in 1988/1989 and in North Africa in 2010/2011 and aims to find out which role was played by media in breaking-up the authoritarian political structures. The researchers assume that mass media can have a mobilizing impulse in the transformation of political regimes. However, the existence of such an impulse depends on specific structural conditions and actor constellations incorporated in the media system and actors' approaches. Based on research on media and transformation, theories of the public sphere and the counter-public as well as on social movements the researchers build an innovative theoretical framework, combining system- and actor-centred approaches. The aim of the project is to 1) present a theory-based, empirical comparison of media functions that helped to form a counter-public in three transitional countries of Eastern Europe in 1988/ 1989 (Hungary, Poland, Romania) and North Africa 2010/2011 (Tunisia, Egypt, Libya) by taking into account the structural conditions, actor constellations and media logics in the different countries. 2) inductively build a model of the effects of mass media in emerging political transformation processes using the results of the comparison. In order to achieve the objectives, several methods are systematically combined. Starting with a literature and document analysis from which the structural conditions will be derived, a content analysis follows with which we will identify and classify the relevant actors. In the last step of the empirical research, these actors will be asked about their motivation and media orientation in expert interviews. The field research thus provides the material with which the various theoretical dimensions of the model can be empirically substantiated.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants