| Abstract [eng] |
The puropose of this article is to introduce basic propositions of the public sphere, and to analyze the possibilities and means the public sphere may be applied within media research as well as to Lithuania's newspaper research during and after Lithuania's restoration of its independence. The theory of the public sphere is examined and used as a theoretical backbone within the article. When Lithuania reaffirmed its independence (1988-late 1991), the country's press quite obvioulsy survived a period of upheavel. The number of newspapers and their circulations skyrocketed, and an intense discussion took place, a discussion whose topics were of great concern to society. During the period Lithuania solidified its independence (more or less since the end of 1991), the press's character as changed. The reading public has diminished, dicussions have abated hile the press has been portraying tendencies associated with commer-aalization and saturation. The concept and theory of the public sphere are therefore very appropriate when describing those changes noted above as well those that were to occur later. The concept of the public sphere, especially in the German language, has a rather long history. However, when analyzing its use in contempory sociological theory, particualarly when applying it to media analysis, it is agreed that research generally began with Jurgen Habermas and his work, The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere, (Strukturwandel der Offentlichkeit, 1962; new edition, 1990.). |
