JOURNALISM: Listening Through the Jamming

Radio Free Europe began in 1952. From its inception it became the fiercely hated enemy of all totalitarian leaders in Eastern Europe. Its creation constituted perhaps the most brilliant move against communism more important, in my view, than embargoes, nuclear weapons, and various diplomatic and military pressures. The fact of its importance was quickly recognized by the Communists, who did all in their power to stop it. In the end, Radio Free Europe and to a lesser extent the Polish programs of the BBC and the Voice of America greatly influenced the nature of the detente and was decisive in helping to bring about the end of the Cold War.