ГАЗЕТА «ЧАС» (ЧЕРНІВЦІ, 1928–1940 рр.): НАЦІОНАЛЬНА ЄДНІСТЬ І ДОЛАННЯ КОРДОНІВ

Abstract

The article comprehensively examines the specificity of implementation of the concept of national unity upon the columns of the daily newspaper Chas (Chernivtsi, 1928–1940s). The article highlights the issue of impact of the regional press on shaping and establishing idea of national unity among Ukrainians under the conditions of occupation, assimilation and oppression by the Romanian authorities. There were two stages in the publication’s history: the first: 1928–1937, and the second: 1937–1940s. As a result of the qualitative content analysis of the newspaper, it was elucidated that its publishers and journalists focused mainly on the socio-political and cultural life of Ukrainians in Bukovyna, Dnieper (Great) Ukraine, Galicia, Transcarpathia, and Ukrainian émigré communities. It is shown the Chas employed such valuesemantic models to implement the concept of national unity: social cohesion, language, common historical memory, patriotic education, development of education, national elite, common economic interests, shared national heroes, national literature, in particular – Shevchenkiana, cultural traditions, art, religion, a common enemy – the occupiers powers (Romanians, Polish, Soviet, Hungarian) as well as the national idea – a united independent Ukraine. The newspaper acted as a communicative environment for all subjects of Ukrainian public life upon the Bukovynian territories during the Romanian interwar occupation. It is argued here this Ukrainian periodical managed to pursue its editorial line under constant siege and total censorship during 1938 – the 1940s, during the period of authoritarianism and royal dictatorship in Romania. Our study proves that despite these constant restrictions, this daily did not deviate from the principles of the Ukrainian national unity. Additionally, we argue here that throughout the newspaper’s history the topics of the Ukrainian state-building, anti-Bolshevik struggle as well as Shevchenkorelated publications were highlighted to consolidate Ukrainians in North Bukovyna on the way to achieving the nation-state ideal. Keywords: national unity, Chas newspaper, Northern Bukovyna, Romanian occupation, editorial line.