The History of the Emergence of the “Fourth Estate” in the USSR: On the Example of the Magazine “Ogonyok” in 1989–1991

The article examines the process of of formation of the “fourth estate” during the period of pere-stroika in the USSR, focusing on the activities of the “Ogonyok” magazine from 1989 to 1991. It elucidates the mechanisms through which the publications of this periodical influenced Soviet public consciousness with the aim of liberalization. The article highlights various directions and methods employed for manipulating public opinion, which were intended to foster a tolerant attitude towards the dismantling of the socio-political and economic systems of the USSR, and ultimately, its dissolution. It is emphasized that the transformation of public consciousness was essential for the higher political leadership of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to implement a concept aimed at liberalizing Soviet society. The article underscores that without the support of senior CPSU offi-cials, the liberal editorial policy adopted by “Ogonyok” would have been unattainable. Furthermore, key character-istics of “Ogonyok” are presented, illustrating its evolution into a genuine “fourth estate” in the country. The analysis reveals how this magazine not only reflected but also shaped public discourse during a critical juncture in Soviet history, thereby playing a pivotal role in facilitating societal change and promoting new ideological paradigms.