The article analyzes the ideological basis of the use of the press as a component of communist Soviet propaganda. In the communist ideology that was founded by Karl Marx, the press played a significant role as a guide of Marxist ideas. Vladimir Lenin developed the ideas of Marx, and created the theoretical basis for the use of the centralized press system by the Soviet state apparatus for effective dissemination of communist propaganda. The aim of the article is to determine the main ideological aspects of Marxism and Leninism regarding the use of the press as a tool of communist propaganda during the existence of the USSR in order to spread the ideas and goals of communist ideology. The scientific novelty is that the main ideological foundations of the use of the press in the system of Soviet propaganda were determined based on the analysis and comparison of the ideas of Marx and Lenin. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted analysis, it was established that in his views, Marx paid considerable attention to the issue of the press. He saw the press as an important element in the development of the labor movement, which, as a result, was to lead to the communist revolution. Due to the fact that he considered the revolution inevitable, and propaganda, in such a case, superfluous, he considered the press precisely as a platform for the spread of communist ideas, and not as an element of the propaganda system. Lenin developed Marx's ideas about the press, but he was convinced of the need to conduct the revolution first. And, only after that, he saw it necessary to develop communist attitudes among workers. He considered it possible only with the help of propaganda. That is why he described the press as a centralized, state-subordinated system that works exclusively in the interests of the party and communist ideology.