One of the best known and most memorable journalists during the Soviet Union is none other than Vladimir Pozner. Born in 1934, his career as a journalist and writer saw him become a key figure in explaining the views of the Soviet Union during the Cold War to the Western audience.
Pozner grew up in New York City before moving to Paris for a brief period pre Second World War, he spent much of his early life as a victim of the West’s fear of communism and the spread of pro-Soviet ideologies. This led to Poznermoving to Moscow in 1952, studying human physiology at the Moscow State University.
His journalistic career began in the propaganda division of the KGV before he moved over to the English magazine Soviet Life in 1961. He then went on to hold positions in similar publications and a Soviet funded radio station before finding a higher calling as a commentator on Soviet policies, often using his tack to draw similarities to the Western world, creating appeal and understanding amongst his audiences.
Pozner gained nationwide support and acclaim as an open and honest commentator on Soviet politics and, despite addressing some controversial issues, found himself promoted to a high-ranking position in state owned Gosteleradio television station.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Pozner continued his work in the USA and Russia, developing several successful shows, many of which encouraging ‘round-table’ discussions on numerous political and foreign affairs incidents. Pozner has also discussed many hot topics including HIV/AIDS, the KGB and even interviewed guests as high profile as former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
