United States Agency for Global Media

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rferl.org

Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is a private, nonprofit, multimedia broadcasting corporation that serves as a surrogate media source for 23 countries in 27, including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine.

With over 1,700 staff, RFE/RL is one of the most comprehensive news operations in the world. Headquartered in Prague, RFE/RL operates local bureaus throughout its broadcast region to better serve its audiences and facilitate the production of compelling, locally oriented-programming in a cost-effective manner.

Reaching more than 47 million people each week, RFE/RL provides what many people cannot get locally: uncensored local and regional news, responsible discussion, and open debate.

Historically known for radio broadcasting behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War, RFE/RL reaches audiences where they are, prioritizing digital platforms and innovative censorship circumvention strategies.

Recent Press Releases

American RFE/RL reporter Alsu Kurmasheva released from Russian custody

After more than nine months in prison, American RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva has been released as part of a large-scale prisoner exchange between the United States and Russia. The deal included Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was detained by the Kremlin for 16 months.

American RFE/RL reporter Alsu Kurmasheva tried & convicted in Russian Court

According to the Associated Press (AP), American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) has been tried and convicted in secret in a Russian court on baseless charges that have grown progressively more serious since her imprisonment more than nine months ago. The report says she has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison.

Russia extends American RFE/RL journalist’s detention for sixth time

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is outraged at today’s ruling in Russia to extend RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva’s pretrial detention for the sixth time. For eight months, Alsu has been detained unjustly in a Russian prison simply for being an American.

Recent Awards

Order of Merit Third Class

Project:

Winner: Maryan Kushnir and Serhiy Horbatenko

Presented by: Ukraine (Country)

PEN/Barbey Freedom To Write Award

Project:

Winner: Vladyslav Yesypenko

Presented by: PEN American Center

“As one of the constant listeners of Radio Liberty, I want to thank you, the American Congress and the American people for the enormous contribution you have made to the dissemination of the ideas of democracy, justice and freedom through the entire world. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Radio Liberty is one of the few tribunes for those struggling for the establishment of democracy and a just society in those countries where even up to now rule dictatorship and authoritarianism.”

Khazratkul Khudoiberdi, former Uzbek political prisoner

1999