Prices were rising, salaries were dropping. No hope, only despair. The only thing government kept saying was 'Blame it all on sanctions'. There were around 8 or so TV stations with various programme content. Usually there were news.
Propaganda is a powerful weapon.
Especially when in wrong hands. I am sure that readers from former Yugoslavia can remember the propaganda working during war. Other sides were blamed. Nobody asked us, the people, what we wanted. They wouldn't admit that there were people trying to solve the situation and help.