The Jeremiad Over Journalism

However, even in the years leading up to the 1980‘s, liberal trade policies were pursued by
American politicians. This is exemplified in a document from 1975 under the heading ―United
States interests.‖ 275
It was the United States‘ explicit goal to maintain ―traditional Danish adherence to liberal trade
policies within the EC [European Communities]‖ as well as ―US-Danish economic relations‖ since
they were ―closely tied to US relations with the community as a whole, and the Danes also provide
an important link between the EC and other Nordic Countries.‖ Lastly, Kissinger emphasized ―the
promotion of US economic and commercial interests in Denmark.‖ 276
Reagan‘s administration, did however take the liberal policies of the post-war years one step
further. 277 The focus that the United States under Reagan placed on neoliberal economic principles
had important ramifications in terms of structural Americanization during those years. To Kissinger
the political, military and economic goals of the United States had to be achieved by integrating
these objectives with a conscious effort to influence Danish cultural life. Kissinger‘s memo
outlining the United States‘ interests and policy objectives thereby serves as an important link
between structural and symbolic Americanization of Denmark.
3.2.2 Government Policy to Curb Commercialization
The competition on the free market even within Danish borders proved tough for domestic
newspapers in the 1970‘s and Danish politicians in 1970 for the first time institutionally recognized
the press as holding a distinctive position in society worthy of financial support by establishing the
Press‘ Finance Institute (DFI). 278 The creation of DFI sparked substantial debate, but at the core of
the discussion was the question of whether or not Danish newspapers should be considered along
the same lines as every other commodity or whether it should be awarded certain priviledges based
on the role it played in democracy. It was a debate between proponents of the free market and
275 Kissinger, "US Interests and Policy Objectives for Denmark 1975." Kissinger here linked the importance of the
military and the economy, when he stated that ―Denmark‘s recurring economic difficulties reinforce‖ the tendency to
doubt defense measures.
276 Ibid.
277 Johnson, Sleepwalking through History: America in The Reagan Years. Page 74. Johnson shows how Reagan from
the beginning of his political career surrounded himself with rich and prominent Californians who advocated free trade
and libetarian ideals.
278 Lund and Sepstrup, "Udredning Af Den Fremtidige Offentlige Mediestøtte [A Report on the Future of State Media
Subsidies]." Page 15. DFI is called ―Dagspressens Finansieringsinstitut‖ in Danish.
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