“Wochenblatt.pl” and “Der Nordschleswiger” − magazines of the German minority in search of their own way

Abstract

National and ethnic minorities strive to preserve and develop their distinct identities. It is done, among other things, through the actions of organizations representing interests of the minorities and through the activity of the media which address and are created for the minorities. These media, such as the press, function in a constantly changing social, political, cultural and technological reality. The minority itself and what it represents, is also an important factor in the development of the press. The aim of the paper is to present the factors that determine the situation of the German minority press. The analysis took into account internal factors (those connected with the minority) as well as external factors (not connected with the minority). The problem is discussed through the use of two case studies: the weekly magazine “Wochenblatt.pl” issued in Poland and “Der Nordschleswiger” which comes out in Denmark.