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Radio Free Europe: When the signal fades
May 6, 2025
Alsu Kermasheva, a courageous journalist with Radio Free Europe, shares her gripping journey from imprisonment in Russia to becoming a voice for the voiceless. She discusses the vital role of Radio Free Europe in delivering uncensored information and the perilous experiences she faced while reporting. Kermasheva also delves into the resilience found amidst authoritarian oppression, emphasizing the emotional weight of independent journalism. Her reflections on press freedom highlight the significant challenges journalists encounter today, and the urgent need for credible news sources.
25:58
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Quick takeaways
- Radio Free Europe played a vital role in delivering uncensored news during the Cold War, countering authoritarian propaganda significantly.
- The imprisonment of journalist Alsu Kermasheva highlights the persistent threats to press freedom and the risks faced by independent media practitioners.
Deep dives
Forbidden Celebrations and Secrets of the Past
Celebrations like Halloween and Valentine's Day were considered forbidden in the Soviet Union, treated almost like crimes due to their association with Western freedom. Teachers would secretly share records and music from the West, including the Beatles, which represented ideals that Soviet leaders feared. Such underground gatherings were kept from parents, highlighting a culture of secrecy surrounding Western influences. Additionally, personal family history revealed a connection to forbidden broadcasts, as Elsue's great-grandfather listened to Radio Liberty, offering a glimpse of unfiltered news that was unavailable in the state-controlled media.
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