From Transition to Authoritarian Populism: Historical Contingencies of Media Instrumentalization in Central and Eastern Europe

This study explores media instrumentalization in Central and Eastern Europe through the perceptions of journalists in Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia. Using semi-structured interviews, the article argues for a historical perspective on media instrumentalization in post-socialist contexts, considering the legacy of transition and the impact of authoritarian populist rule, while emphasizing the intertwined nature of economic interests and political power. The research offers fresh insights into the mechanisms and consequences of media instrumentalization, highlighting significant challenges to media autonomy and journalistic integrity, including issues of polarization, de-professionalization, and loss of public trust.