Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty – Russian

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Russian Service, known as Radio Svoboda, is the Russian-language service of RFE/RL. It provides independent news, analysis, and investigative reporting as an alternative to state-controlled media.

Founded in 1953 as part of Radio Liberty, the service has since broadcast for Russia and Russian-speaking listeners worldwide. Offices are located in Riga and Prague. Popular formats include podcasts such as Time of Liberty and You Have the Right, which discuss current topics. Journalists uncover corruption in the Kremlin, the Ukraine war, and societal changes.

In Russia, RFE/RL is designated as an ‘undesirable organization’, which hampers its work. Nevertheless, the service reaches millions via website, social media, and apps, especially young Russians aged 15-24.