Last Regional Radio Program in Belarusian Closed :: Charter'97 :: News

The only regional radio program in Belarusian language, “I love our country”, has been closed in Baranavichy local radio. On return from summer holidays its authors found out that it is necessary to pay for broadcasting of the program. Not only 30 minutes on air should be paid, but the time needed for recording. It makes more than 130,000 BYR monthly.

The program “I love our country” created by Baranavichy branch of the Belarusian Language Society, was on air for 10 years. Belarusian language could have been heard in it. Writers, painters, celebrities from Minsk were among its guests. Its presenters were Ales Horbach, Natallya Urubleuskaya, and Ludmila Malashchanka. What was wrong with Belarusian songs and Belarusian word? However, Beltelekom decided that it is necessary to pay for the program to go on air, those there were no advertisements in the program at all.

“It is violence over our language and our legacy,” said the chairman of Baranavichy branch of the Belarusian language society Viktar Syrytsa in an interview to the European Radio for Belarus. “After our programs listeners phoned us and expressed thanks. Many listeners offered their stories and topics. In fact the program is closed, and the reason is that the Belarusian language and Belarusian culture are not respected now both at the level of the country’s leadership and of local authorities”.