Background Reports (RFE/RL)

• Fonds: HU OSA 300 Records of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Research Institute
• Created: 1952–1992
• Language: English
• Extent: 18,224 items
• Access: online Catalog, without registration

The collection contains special studies and thematic research papers produced by Radio Free Europe (RFE) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) research units from 1952 till 1992. Background Reports covered topics mainly related to the domestic and international affairs of Communist countries, but also trends and developments in the Communist movement worldwide.

Background Reports included three types of paper: (1) short descriptions and assessments of new or unexpected developments, prepared as quickly as possible to ensure an immediate response from RFE/RL, distributed through the Central News Room and often used directly as the basis for broadcast scripts; (2) longer interim studies describing, analyzing, and forecasting trends and events in the Communist world, prepared to brief RFE/RL management and broadcasting units on future developments; and (3) in-depth research papers focusing on one single subject, aimed to provide fact-based perspective, context, framework, and synthesis. In addition, the collection also contains ad hoc research papers produced on request, as well as the Weekly Record of Events, produced from the mid-1970s until 1992.