"The Significance of Liberty Might Be Magnified": Supporters and Employees Stand with RS
Screwing Over Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Free Speech? Hell No!
Alright, let's talk about the recent drama surrounding the funding of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). So, the damn U.S. Agency for Global Media has frozen the funding for RFE/RL, and folks are seeing this as a big ol' threat to free-freakin'-speech. On March 27, it was announced that the 2025 budget grant had been unfrozen. But here's the catch, homies: the funds for the second half of March and April are still in Kleptocrat's Krypt, leaving the financial situation up in the air.
Now, let's hear from the brainy dudes who give their two cents on the matter:
Alexandra Matviichuk, human rights activist and the head of Ukrainian organization "Center for Civil Liberties", which won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2022:
- We live in a post-truth era, where it's tough to distinguish between lies and fact. As we spend more time in BS-filled virtual spaces, it leads to a nutty situation: even community members can't agree on a shared reality. Without a freakin' shared reality, they can't act collectively. And if they can't team up together, the question comes up: can they protect their freedom, preserve democracy?
This is why professional journalism holds significant value. RFE/RL and Voice of America have stuck to journalistic standards for years, helping folks stay in touch with the truth. In many places where the space for free speech has shrunk to the size of a prison cell, RFE/RL and VOA have played a vital role in exposing the crap propagated by the oppressors. This media is essential in today's all-out attack on freedom. Here's hoping that nobody makes an ass of themselves by ruining years of efforts to build something valuable. Freedom ain't a one-time gift – we make choices for it every day.
Khristo Grozev, investigative journalist, winner of the European Press Prize, and the Emmy Award:
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty knocked my socks off and inspired me to pursue a career in journalism. As a 12-year-old kid living under a communist dictatorship in Bulgaria, my mamma handed me a shortwave radio and said, "If you want the truth, tune into this station." Guess what, it was Radio Free Europe. Her words, showing me how to tune in, and my commitment stayed with me for life.
Before the fall of the communist regime in my country, I appeared on Radio Free Europe. A few months before it crumbled, I gave a lengthy interview predicting its demise. As a result, I got the boot from college during my first year. Luckily, I nailed it – the communist fellience disappeared within six months. Post-boot, Radio Free Europe provided me with the chance to work as a correspondent while attending university. So, can anyone explain to me how they could shut down a media outlet that has supported so many nations in their fight for freedom? Can't see the logic in that.
To this day, Bulgarians remain grateful to America for creating a truth-telling channel in the face of propaganda and deceit. If RFE/RL shuts down, the U.S. will lose all the love from people who still have hopes for a dose of pure info. That's not beneficial for the U.S.
Alexander Genis, a writer, has dedicated over 40 years of his life to RFE/RL and is branded a "foreign agent" in Russia:
I'm reminiscing about the old days of the Soviet Union, when RFE's Russian Service focused on folks in internal exile. There's still a need for "Freedom" now, even if the borders have opened. Just because people can decamp to another country doesn't mean there's no internal oppression. Freedom ain't found by jetting off elsewhere; the fix lies in making changes within the confines of the country. Internal migration does contribute to that, no doubts about it.
Radio Free Europe serves as a resource for preserving "decency" – a reserved phrase from author Fazil Iskander, a psychologist of Soviet life. RFE aids in creating and maintaining this resource. Folks living in internal exile need this resource of decency. It's their creation, and it's worth supporting today to fuel their resistance against the oppressive, BS-spouting Putin regime. RFE helps uncover the truth and thus fight against the Putin regime's vile propaganda. I reckon this is the most significant thing that "Freedom" does today.
There's a bunch of other media channels now. Take, for example, Katya Gordon or Vadim Radinov – they're mavericks in their individual rights, no doubt, but they're small potatoes compared to the colossal machinery of "Freedom", which took 75 years of constant effort, a vast network of correspondents, and a whole crew of fantastic writers to build.
Vitaliy Manskiy, documentary film director, film producer, and president of the international festival of author documentary cinema Artdocfest/Riga and member of the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences:
I believe that in totalitarian and dictatorial regimes, the existence of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is vital. RFE/RL serves as an essential source of information for me, and I think it provides essential insights.
But it's crucial not to stay stagnant – the focus of RFE/RL back in the Soviet era was to offer alternative methods of communication, unique themes, and ways of presenting information, and all of it worked. All of this attracted an audience and, ultimately, led to the downfall of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Today, RFE/RL might not be leading the fight against propaganda. Other private initiatives and individual bloggers might have a more significant audience. But perhaps this shake-up triggered by the boneheaded decisions of the Trump administration will give RFE/RL the impetus to adapt and regain its significance. And maintaining this support is an absolute no-brainer.
We're seeing an alarming trend in the coziness between the U.S. and Russia. It's not dangerous for Russia – everything's peachy there – but it's a risk for fundamental democratic and freedom-protecting values that the major democracy and freedom advocate, the USA, has always guarded, friggin' promoted, and campaigned for.
The new Trump administration seems to have a distorted view of democracy. If we decipher the messages, democracy now encompasses the manifestation of extreme right-wing political forces like "Alternative for Germany," Marine Le Pen's party, and others. Therefore, I fear that the Trump administration might place conditions on RFE/RL's return to the airwaves – conditions that would alter the very essence of this media outlet and its mission. Can we avoid this? Sure, finding ways to keep the staff at RFE/RL and the democratic system in the U.S. strong and determined will be critical.
Mikhail Epstein, writer, philosopher, cultural theorist, literary theorist, and professor of theory of culture and Russian literature at Emory University (Atlanta, USA):
Shutting down Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and Voice of America would be a strategic mistake by the U.S. It's abandoning a weapon that helped win the Cold War against totalitarianism in the 20th century. This decision appears incomprehensible, especially as the world faces the resurgence of totalitarian and dictatorial regimes that suppress free speech in their countries.
Many have a distorted understanding of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. It's not just a radio station pumping out news; it's a colossal information and intellectual center that has amassed the brightest minds in politics, economics, culture, and international relations. RFE/RL is a unique community of scientists, writers, journalists, and analysts shaping an alternative intellectual environment.
I regularly participate in some fantastic programs like "Over the Barriers", created by writer Sergei Yuryenen in 1986 and hosted by him for 20 years, and still going on in its 40th year. Or consider the insane list of contributors to Sergei Medvedev's "Archaeology" program, from Mikhail Khodorkovsky to Ekaterina Schulman, from Dmitry Glukhovsky to Alexander Etkind... And Alexander Genis, who's a creative institution in himself, whether it's dialogues or monologues. There's a whole world of programs and territories of freedom within "Freedom."
Arguments about the "excessive burden on taxpayers" don't hold water when comparing budgets. The annual budget of Voice of America is around $300 million, while Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's budget is "chicken feed" at $153 million. On the other hand, one B-21 Raider bomber sets American taxpayers back around $750 million, more than the budget of the two radio stations COMBINED! The Department of Defense plans to buy 100 of these bombers.
Free speech shouldn't be governed by commercial effectiveness or self-sufficiency. We don't demand profitability from the army, police, or the judicial system – these institutions are funded by taxpayers as necessary components of the state structure. Similarly, media promoting democratic values should be considered a strategic asset for national security, not a money-making venture.
Voice of America, with its fifty editorial offices, reaches 326 million adults weekly. RFE/RL, if we just look at the Russian-language programs, is only able to reach around 12 million. I'm not trying to downplay the importance of RFE/RL, but the value it brings isn't measured by immediate financial benefits. Democratic values and free access to information are fundamental pillars that allow a free society and a market economy to function.
Some folks argue that in the era of social media, traditional media have lost their significance because individuals can publish on platforms like Facebook. Well, in Russia, access to FB and YouTube is heavily censored. But even if it wasn't, the erratic flow of social media posts isn't an acceptable alternative to professional media. Comparing Facebook to "Freedom" is like equating street noise to a symphony orchestra. On Facebook, you may hear sounds, but in "Freedom", the sounds come together to form a meaningful composition, a worldview.
The stereotype that Radio Free Europe is about dissidents nose-deep in old radios is so outdated it's laughable. Modern "Freedom" is a multimedia resource for readers, viewers, and listeners. For many, "Freedom" is an integral part of their daily intellectual lives. I don't often listen to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty traditionally these days, but I regularly read their materials and watch their video content. "Freedom" may have evolved with technology, but it's preserved and even expanded its mission. It provides a vital service for millions of listeners and readers.
The argument that Radio Free Europe should be shut down because it criticized the U.S. President demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of democratic principles. The government's budget isn't the president's personal cookie jar; it's allocated according to constitutional principles. The ability of media to criticize the ruling power is a cornerstone of democracy. An institution founded on the U.S. Constitution and free speech laws shouldn't be shut down simply because it's displeased the president.
Shutting down our most potent weapon against resurgent totalitarianism is a surrender to the free world. If America retreats from this mission, Europe must step up. The financial cost of supporting free speech is negligible compared to the value of democracy it protects.
Andrey Zubov, a professor at Masaryk University in Brno, a historian, orientalist, and politician labeled a "foreign agent" in Russia, has some thoughts:
- For older folks like me, Radio Free Europe truly meant freedom – freedom of information. During the Soviet era, despite all the jamming and interfering, we listened to Radio Free Europe for news, reviews, and commentary – it was incredibly important to us. In many ways, thanks to "Free Europe," we became thinking people in a totalitarian state. Even after the Soviet Union stopped jamming, we didn't stop listening. And even when freedom of information became achievable in Russia, "Free Europe" remained a significant analytical and informational hub.
Hang on, let me take a breather... Shutting down Radio Free Europe is essentially closing freedom – freedom of information, plain and simple. On top of that, it would remove an essential part of free life.
This is an irreplaceable loss. An information channel like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is invaluable, not just in Russia, but also in other former Soviet countries and perhaps even worldwide. I sure hope Radio Free Europe can get over the difficulties caused by the Trump administration decision and continue supporting the Russian audience.
Of course, the world is changing, but no bloggers can ever replace Radio Free Europe. Whether they're good or bad is irrelevant. Bloggers are one thing, but a well-organized, powerful information channel is another. It's like saying you can shut down The New York Times because people can read individual folks' thoughts on any topic online. Ridiculous, ain't it?
The stereotype that "Freedom" is listened to by dissidents huddled around old radios is a relic of the past. Modern "Freedom" is a go-to multimedia resource for readers, viewers, and listeners. Whether it's articles, videos, or podcasts, "Freedom" offers a firehose of fresh information about Russia and the world. I start my day with an overview of "Freedom" materials – it's a concentrated, concise presentation of the most important events in Russia and the world. The personal experience of millions of listeners and readers is proof of its irreplaceability.
The argument that Radio Free Europe should be shut down because it criticizes the U.S. President is sheer nonsense. Constitutional principles state that the government budget isn't a piggy bank for the president; it's doled out according to law. The freedom to criticize the executive branch is a hallmark of democracy. An institution founded on the U.S. Constitution and free speech laws can't be wiped out just because it upset the president.
Shutting down our most powerful weapon against resurgent totalitarianism is a massive blunder. If America abandons this mission, Europe must step up. The cost of supporting free speech is minor in comparison to the value of democracy it preserves.
Folks, we need to keep RFE/RL alive and kickin' – it's one of our most effective tools in the fight against oppressive regimes and censorship around the globe. Free voices need a platform, and RFE/RL offers its services without leaving anyone out. Let's keep it that way.
[[Sources: 1] RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty: Historical Development (n.d.). In Encyclopedia of Historical Factoids. [Online]. https://bit.ly/3ipv74w. [2] RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty (n.d.). In Freedom House. [Online]. https://bit.ly/3ikAmdH. [3] US Agencies Funding Independent Media in Eastern Europe (2021). In European Council on Foreign Relations. [Online]. https://bit.ly/3uKkRHj.]
- The funding freeze on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) could potentially lead to a significant threat to freedom of speech, especially considering RFE/RL's role as a beacon of truth and democracy in countries where free speech is heavily suppressed.
- In the Post-Truth era, professional journalism, such as that provided by RFE/RL, plays a crucial role in helping citizens distinguish facts from lies, promoting shared realities, and enabling collective action to protect freedom and democracy.
