TEMPO.CO, Moscow - Voice of America radio station in Russia has stopped broadcasting in Russia due to the expiration of its contract in the country, Ria Novosti reported on Wednesday.
“We are not going to cooperate anymore,” said Dmitry Kiselev, the head of the Rossiya Segodnya news agency in March 21 letter to the US Broadcasting of Governors, which coordinates broadcasting of VoA and Voice of Svoboda.
Kiselev’s letter was sent in a response to BBG’s offer to extend the contract for VoA in Russia. VoA is the US official radio broadcasting institution. It first appeared in Russia in 1947 to counter the Soviet point of view on US policies.
Kiselev himself has also been targeted by EU sanctions for actively supporting the Russian invasion on Crimea and its annexation with Russia.
The EU will target Russia’s biggest media group, Gazprom-media, and four Russian television stations; Rossiya, Russia Today, Channel One and NTv.
Other targeted journalists are Mikhail Leontyev, Irada Zeynalova and Mikhail Gusman. Kiselev said those sanctions posed a threat to himself and journalists worldwide. He is known for his critical attitude towards the West and pro-Russia stance.
RIA NOVOSTI | MARIA RITA HASUGIAN