United States Agency for Global Media

U.S. lawmaker congratulates BBG on Russian-language TV program

March 29, 2016

Washington, D.C. — A U.S. lawmaker has congratulated two BBG networks for jointly creating and developing a Russian-language TV program that is now carried by 25 media outlets in nine countries mostly in the Russian periphery, including Ukraine.

In comments on the floor of the House of Representatives last week, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke of New York congratulated the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty for their “dramatic” work with the show Current Time, which is watched by nearly two million people online in Russia.

“Current Time draws upon a uniquely informed network of reporters and commentators to provide timely and credible news,” Clarke said.

“I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating and supporting the Current Time team and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and the Voice of America,” she added.  “Their work makes a critical contribution to supporting the freedom of the press for Russian speakers in critical regions around the world.”

Current Time, a daily 30-minute mix of live news coverage, interviews and original features related to pressing issues around the world, is reported and presented with local interests and context in mind.  The show provides in-depth and up-close coverage of major news and events that are not reported or are misreported by the Kremlin-affiliated media, and it aims to correct the disinformation that is driving conflict in the region.

Current Time has grown since going on the air in October 2014.  It is broadcast in Moldova, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine, Latvia and Israel and has expanded to a Central Asia version on stations in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.