According to Michael Hedges writing for followthemedia.com the BBC World Service isn’t the only broadcaster to be ditched by the new owners of Bolshoye Radio, the financial group Finam. The Russian authorities have “functionally chased out” US international broadcaster Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
Hedges argues that the reasons the BBC Russian Service lost its last FM distribution partner is as likely to be the increased value of the FM licences as the “tenuous” relations between Russia and the UK.
In a statement the BBC said it intends to appeal to Russia’s Federal Service for the Supervision of Mass Media, Communication and Protection of Cultural Heritage.
If they refuse to consider, then only AM/MW, shortwave are available – but there’s also internet distribution, writes Hodges.
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“The lesson for international broadcasters like the BBC and governments engaged in public diplomacy is simple: the cost has gone up,” says Hedges.
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