FOR THE RECORD

Congressional Ukrainian Caucus concerned about cutbacks to radios

Following is the full text of a letter sent on March 10 by members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus to Kenneth Y. Tomlinson, chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors, regarding proposed cutbacks to the Ukrainian services of both Voice of America and Radio Liberty.

Dear Mr. Tomlinson:

As members of the Congressional Ukrainian Caucus, we are writing to express our concern about the recent Broadcasting Board of Governors' decision to reduce programming to Ukraine in FY 2004. The cutback in services include a decrease of Voice of America's broadcasting to Ukraine by nearly 50 percent and a significant reduction of operational costs for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Ukrainian service. This decision will adversely affect the United States' ability to deliver an independent outlet of information to the people of Ukraine, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming presidential elections in 2004.

The Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasting services provide several hours of Ukrainian-language programming daily to an average of six million regular listeners. These stations offer comprehensive coverage of U.S.-Ukrainian relations, a review of American foreign policy, and report on the internal political, economic and social situation in Ukraine. Such important information is not readily available to Ukrainians from their own domestic media, as very few Ukrainians have access to the Internet or to such international broadcasts as CNN, etc. Only the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasting services are capable of providing Ukrainians with a balanced and comprehensive perspective about events occurring in Ukraine, as well as addressing issues of concern such as corruption, the role of the media in Ukraine, the spread of HIV virus in Ukraine, and a host of other relevant topics.

With civil society in Ukraine becoming more repressed, akin to Belarus, this is not the time to lessen America's commitment to reform and free exchange of information. Cutbacks to the Central and East European broadcasting services represent an interpretation that those countries have implemented democratic and market reforms, have a free and independent media, and have joined, or are on the verge of joining, the NATO alliance and the European Union. Next year is a crucial year in Ukraine, as its citizens will elect a new president. A key issue expressed by many in Ukraine is access to independent media outlets to provide for a balanced and objective campaign. The role of the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty is essential in that cause.

A democratic, market-oriented Ukraine, with a free and vibrant media, integrated with the Euro-Atlantic community remains a top strategic priority for the United States. The Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Ukrainian services must continue to play a fundamental role in facilitating such positive changes in Ukraine.

We are convinced that now is not the time to cut broadcasts, staff or operating costs at the Ukrainian services. Instead we should make certain that these services have the resources necessary to bolster their programming at this critical time.

Sincerely,

Signed by Members of Congress Sander Levin
Curt Weldon
Marcy Kaptur
Chris Smith
Michael McNulty
Joe Hoeffel
Frank Pallone

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, March 16, 2003, No. 11, Vol. LXXI

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