Impartial Radio in The Occupied Territories of Ukraine: Broadcasts To Be Organised by The Ministry of Transport and Communications
The Ministry of Transport and Communications was instructed by the Government on Wednesday to ensure the implementation of medium-wave radio broadcasts from the territory of the Republic of Lithuania in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. From April 2022, this service will enable citizens of Ukraine to receive impartial information from the Ukrainian authorities through alternative means. In 2023, the broadcasting costs will be covered by the Lithuanian state budget.
Ukraine is facing electricity supply issues and daily blackouts. In the event of a power outage, FM transmissions, TV broadcasting and internet access are interrupted.
The public is left without any source of information. By transmitting medium-wave radio broadcasts from Lithuania, the Ministry of Transport and Communications ensures the stable and uninterrupted transmission of radio broadcasts to the citizens of Ukraine (including the territories of Ukraine seized by Russia, which cannot be covered by FM), as these broadcasts can be received by any car radios as well as by simple battery-powered radio receivers.
Radio broadcasts remain the only source of reliable and timely information for citizens under occupation, where Russian propaganda and disinformation are actively disseminated.
“Supporting Ukraine is a priority for the state, and therefore, taking into account the contribution we have made so far, we have found opportunities to continue to preserve radio broadcasts on the territory of Ukraine via a medium-wave transmitter,” told Ramūnas Dilba, Chancellor of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
The radio programmes can be received at a distance of more than 1000 km from Lithuania and reach an audience of more than 100 million people in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.
According to a letter from the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, due to the unstable operation of the electric power system in Ukraine, it is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to ensure the uninterrupted transmission of radio broadcasts. This is particularly relevant in areas where infrastructure is almost completely destroyed.
Radio programmes are delivered to the occupied territories in Lithuania by SC Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre.
Last updated: 23-06-2023
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