Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) is a private, nonprofit, multimedia broadcasting corporation that serves as a surrogate media source in 27 languages and in 23 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, and Ukraine.
With headquarters in Prague, 17 local bureaus (including Moscow, Kabul, Kyiv, and Islamabad), and more than 1,000 journalists throughout its broadcast region, RFE/RL’s proximity to its audiences facilitates the production of compelling, locally-oriented programming in a cost-effective manner.
Reaching more than 40.6 million people each week, RFE/RL provides what many people cannot get locally: uncensored local and regional news, responsible discussion, and open debate via radio, television, and digital media. In addition to traditional radio reporting, RFE/RL is modernizing to compete successfully in the rapidly-changing media realm. RFE/RL has expanded its TV and video operations, live-streamed political protests and other newsworthy events, and broadened its best-in-class digital journalism operations to ensure that RFE/RL reporting is accessible to audiences across platforms.
Recent Press Releases
RFE/RL challenges Kyrgyz government decision to block websites
Today, RFE/RL filed an administrative complaint with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy. The complaint is a response to the Ministry’s decision to block Kyrgyz Service websites for two months after the broadcaster refused to remove a video report about clashes at the border with Tajikistan.
RFE/RL responds to Kyrgyz government blocking websites in crackdown on free media
Today, Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy announced in a Facebook post it was blocking RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service websites for two months after RFE/RL refused to remove a Current Time Asia report about the recent Kyrgyz-Tajik conflict. These actions are the latest in a series emblematic of a deteriorating media climate in the country. They follow a recent protest outside RFE/RL’s Bishkek bureau that called on authorities to close the Service and other independent local outlets; and proposed legislation that would further limit media freedom.
RFE/RL traffic surges following Kremlin’s mobilization announcement
Six months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian and Russian audiences are seeking out RFE/RL coverage of recent events in the war in unprecedented numbers despite extensive Kremlin attempts to block RFE/RL’s websites and most social media platforms.
Recent Awards
Order of Merit Third Class
Project:
Winner: Maryan Kushnir and Serhiy Horbatenko
Presented by: Ukraine (Country)
