Lajos Császi
Ritual Communication: A Neo-Durkheimian Theory

Until recently the Durkheimian perspective has been underestimated in communication researches. This work explores how a rediscovered Durkheimian sociology is capable of providing a solution to numerous unsolved problems raised by media researchers. In the course of discussion the paper compares the Neo-Durkheimian moral philosophy with Michael Foucault's social theory. Reviewing the English language literature on rituals the article sees an answer to whether it is possible to use the category of ritual in modern societies. The answer is positive, since media rituals can be regarded as symbolic moral dramas, which provide a public performance of the conflicts of the community.
 

Tamás Terestyéni
The Press Image of Hungary's Accession to the European Union

In order to learn how the most influential Hungarian press organs depict the European Union and Hungary's accession to integration, in 2000 a content analysis was made on a large sample of the Hungarian national and local newspapers. The analysis confirmed the results of several public opinion polls and other studies indicating that among the most determinant groups of the Hungarian society there are no considerable opponents to accession. The largest part of the qualitative press items argued in favour of the EU and Hungary's accession, and no serious arguments against a rapid integration were to be found. According to the press, both Hungarian and Western European sources agreed that Hungary made good progress in the preparation for accession, nevertheless many articles called attention to the requirements the country has to meet, especially the problems of agriculture, environment and labour force were emphasised. Although the basic message of the press was optimistic, some news items and commentaries expressed ambivalence and vagueness in respect of the (political) decision makers' intentions.