Yesterday, the Academic Council of the President of the Republic discussed the current situation and trends in the Estonian media.

The three-part thematic presentation was made by Professor Marju Lauristin from the Sociology Department of Tartu University, media professor Tiit Hennoste from Tartu University, and Halliki Harro, Deputy Chairman of the Public Word Council, media professor of the Tartu University. The presentations were followed by a vivid discussion of the current media situation.

Professor Lauristin spoke of the social background of the Estonian media, gave some specific figures on media usage in Estonia, and reviewed the changes and trends in the age structure of journalists in the last 10 years. Professor Lauristin also gave a summary on the specific media preferences of the Estonian population and opinion leaders.

Tiit Hennoste reviewed the results of analysing the news published in papers, and compared news items in specific Estonian newspaper issues to the publications in international newspapers of the same day.

Halliki Harro spoke of the ethical code of journalists and the points of contact between the journalist and his audience. She also gave an overview of the work of the Public Word Council and the ethical code of the Estonian media.

The President's Academic Council decided to hold the first meeting of the year 1999 in March. Estonia on the way to the 21st century was chosen as the general theme of next year's work. Regional policy in Estonia was chosen as the theme for the next meeting. The meetings are prepared by Academician Jaan Einasto in co-operation with Professor Marju Lauristin.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, December 18, 1998

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