Theoretical Convergences and Contrasts: A View from Finland

Abstract

Inspired by an increasing interest in the history and theory of mass communication studies, the case of Finland is presented in five consecutive stages, which partly reflect features specific to the country and partly more universal developments. A crucial turn took place in the late 1960s, stimulated by policy developments in the Finnish Broadcasting Company (YLE), and leading to a unique paradigm and to debates with proponents of paradigms produced later. By the late 1980s, many of the old divergences and contrasts have disappeared and an understanding has emerged that no single perspective can dominate the field. Yet there is interest in the prospects of a more synthetic approach, for which intellectual stimulation is coming from the crossroads of the three main disciplinary variants in European mass communication studies—Euro-American, French and German respectively.