Page:NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SURVEY 18; CZECHOSLOVAKIA; THE SOCIETY CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110015-7.pdf/41

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'''FIGURE 16. Modern glassware (U/OU)'''

"Spring"—a cut relief case, designed by Miroslav Platik and engraved by Vaclav Kacer

Cut lead crystal by Ludislav Oliva

economic changes and demands for freedom of expression by various cultural and literary periodicals, Czechoslovak intellectuals began a liberalization drive, and some controls were relaxed during the Novotny government. With the accession to power of the Dubcek regime, the party's management of the media was further diminished and many restraints reduced, including the abolition of prepublication censorship. In the brief disorder during the Russian invasion, freedom of the press became a reality because much of the media functioned in secret without official restraints. However, thereafter full party supervision was reinstated; many publications were banned, editorial boards purged, and journalists dismissed.

In the 1970s the theories and system of controls on the media closely resembled those in existence prior to 1968. Although freedom of speech and press are guaranteed by the 1961 constitution, still basically in effect, the 1966 press law stated that they may only be exercised when they are "consistent with the interests of the working people," the sole judge being the Communist Party. Criticism for its own sake and antiparty statements are not tolerated. Mass communication is not based on the pursuit of profit nor does it provide a vehicle for individual expression. The right to issue information through any legal public medium is accorded only to the party, the government, and public organizations controlled by the party, such as labor unions.

All media are regulated by the government's Press and Information Office. The general guidelines and directives are formulated by top party officials. The party Central Committee and its press staff are

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