The decision by the management of Ukrainian radio broadcaster Dovira to remove RFE/RL Ukrainian Service programming from its FM schedule with effect of 17 February 2004 has been condemned by RFE/RL President Thomas A. Dine as “a political act against liberal democracy, against free speech and press.
In a letter from TV and Radio Company Dovira First Deputy Director V. Reznychenko to RFE/RL Ukrainian Service Director Alexander Narodetsky, the privately-held Ukrainian network said the move to end radio re-broadcasting of RFE/RL programming was motivated by a decision that the RFE/RL programmes “have to be changed in terms of format.” The abrupt decision to end RFE/RL Ukrainian Service broadcasts surprised Service Director Narodetsky, who noted that his service had enjoyed a “very close and productive relationship with Dovira.” Dovira first began re-broadcasting RFE/RL programmes in 1998, and was named RFE/RL Affiliate of the Year in 2001. The Ukrainian Service worked closely with Dovira’s management to adapt its programmes to a more FM-friendly format.
In a press release issued on 11 February, RFE/RL states that Dovira has been the focus of official Ukrainian pressure to drop RFE/RL Ukrainian Service broadcasting since 2001. The station has stood firmly against the use by Ukrainian authorities of a variety of administrative levers, including allegations that it had breached licensing regulations by re-broadcasting RFE/RL Ukrainian Service programmes. Until the receipt of the termination letter, RFE/RL Ukrainian Service and Dovira management had been working together to resolve the dispute with the government and legislature.
In late January , Dovira was sold to Ukrainian Media Holding, a newspaper and radio holding company owned by Boris Lozhkin, and a new management team installed.
RFE/RL is a member of the AIB.