Media Space in the Context of “Public History”: Mechanisms of Democratization and Interpretation of the Past

Abstract

This article offers a new perspective on the role of mass media in the formation and dissemination of historical knowledge. The media space is considered not only as a channel of information exchange but also as an important element in the development of “public history.” It performs two key functions: 1. serving as a medium for the dissemination and interpretation of historical knowledge; 2. acting as a tool of democratization, as it removes barriers between a narrow circle of professional historians and a broader audience. Thus, the media expands the reach of listeners and readers, stimulates interest in the past, and provides various social groups with opportunities to participate in discussions on significant historical events and processes. The study employs interdisciplinary methods, including discourse and content analysis of contemporary Kazakhstani media materials such as podcasts on social networks, news articles, television programs, documentary films, and online publications, many of which are available in three languages (Kazakh, Russian, and English). These approaches made it possible to identify both positive and problematic aspects of the role of mass media in the democratization of historical knowledge. The results of the study show that the mediatization of history is one of the factors in strengthening democratic practices. However, the effectiveness of this process largely depends on the degree of involvement of professional historians — specialists in narrow fields such as medieval studies or regional studies — in the interpretation and presentation of historical material.