In Armenia, RFE/RL Turns to ‘Outmoded’ Method – Shortwave – And Says It’s Working

Radio World
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March 14 2008
VA

Countering a government blackout on news in Armenia, Radio Free
Europe/Radio Liberty said it has restored broadcasting on shortwave
frequencies to that country.

RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin said in a statement, "It is
disappointing that because of restrictions imposed by the Armenian
government we have to take this step backward to an outmoded frequency
we stopped using in Armenia three years ago, but I’m happy to say it
is working."

Its Armenian Service reinstated broadcasting on two shortwave
frequencies after regular broadcasts on FM frequencies were taken
off the air by two local affiliates, who complied with a decree by
the government that allows only government-sanctioned news to be aired.

"RFE/RL is the only Armenian language foreign radio in the country,"
the organization stated. "Broadcasts are now one hour daily on
shortwave, instead of the previous three hours on local FM. But all
programs can be heard on RFE/RL’S Armenian language Web site."

The service also said Armenian bloggers are posting RFE/RL news and
that its news programs are being posted on YouTube.