Identity Statement

Reference Code

HU OSA 300-6-3

Title

Soviet Area Audience and Opinion Research

Date(s)

1975 - 1994

Description Level

Series

Extent and medium (processed)

12 Archival boxes, 1.5 linear meters

Content and Structure

Scope and Content (Abstract)

The series contains monthly summaries about listeners’ reactions to Radio Liberty and Radio Free Europe Baltic Services and about Radio Liberty’s appeal and audibility.

The data drawn from Soviet emigrants or visitors is presented as statistical results concerning listening habits and preferences (listening times, days and frequency of listening) and as personal comments of random listeners interviewed or organized into panels to discuss the programs. The citizens’ comments are divided into responses to Russian-language broadcasts and nationality broadcasts.

Unlike the audience analyses conducted for the East-European area, these surveys present a more balanced account of abstract and personal image of Radio Liberty. In this sense, the detailed scripts of the panel discussions and the strategic requirements of such settings might be of special interest. They are symptomatic of the radio officials’ eagerness to gather detailed information about remote audiences despite the lack of proper conditions requested in such surveys. In comparison with the surveys completed by Radio Free Europe’s research division, these analyses provide more insight on Radio Liberty broadcasts, as they are amply cited during the panelists’ discussions.

Accruals

Not Expected

Conditions of Access and Use

Conditions governing access

Unknown

Languages

English

Description Control

Archivist's note

Arranged by Olga Zaslavskaya, 2005; described by Ioana Toma, February, 2009.