English Section

Polish Radio expands service for Ukraine

18.05.2022 08:00
Public broadcaster Polish Radio has expanded its programming for listeners from Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.
Image:
Image:Radio Poland

Earlier this month, Polish Radio launched a new FM channel in Warsaw especially for Ukrainian audiences.

Broadcasting on 100.6 FM, the “Polish Radio for Ukraine in Warsaw" service features content by Ukraine’s public radio UKR1 and Polish Radio’s External Service, also known as Radio Poland. 

More broadcasts for Ukraine

Starting Tuesday, May 17, the new channel’s broadcasting doubled from two to four hours a day, running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., executives announced.

"Polish Radio for Ukraine in Warsaw airs a range of programming, including news and current affairs, Polish and Ukrainian music, as well as broadcasts for children and Polish-language courses," Radio Poland’s Director Andrzej Rybałt said in a statement.  

Countering Russian disinformation

The new channel aims to counter “the Kremlin’s disinformation about Poland, Ukraine and Polish-Ukrainian relations,” according to Rybałt.

Listeners are kept up to date with events in Ukraine, including the situation in Russian-occupied areas, as well as provided with advice on how to access refugee support in Poland, reporters were told.

“Polish Radio for Ukraine in Warsaw caters to the needs of listeners in both Poland and Ukraine,” Rybałt added.

Polish Radio initiatives for Ukraine

Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, the Polish public radio broadcaster has been airing Ukrainian-language news bulletins three times a day on Polish Radio 1 and 3, the broadcaster's IAR news agency reported.

Meanwhile, Radio Poland’s Ukraine Section is also broadcasting for Ukrainian listeners.

These Polish Radio broadcasts are available in large parts of Ukraine and almost throughout the whole of Europe, according to executives.

Moreover, Polish Radio has been airing the programming of Ukraine’s UKR1 public radio on its digital DAB+ service as well as its web player and mobile app, reporters were told.

Other initiatives have included promotion of Ukrainian culture on Polish Radio 2, a benefit concert for Ukraine, and helping the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra prepare for its European tour, executives said.

Finally, Polish Radio’s polskieradio24.pl website airs a 24-hour live audio and video stream about the war on YouTube.

Wednesday is day 84 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Poland on Wednesday reported it had welcomed more than 3.44 million refugees fleeing Russia's war on Ukraine.

(pm/gs)

Source: IAR, PAP