The significance of Radio Free Europe (RFE) in Czech land

During the Cold War, the United States focused on international broadcasting, including RFE. Although, the Cold War era does no longer exist, RFE plays vital role in 21 countries worldwide. As the RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin states: “Although the technology has changed -- we augment radio now with content delivered online, by video, and on television -- the mission of surrogate broadcasting is still the same. RFE/RL remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient programs the United States can support in order to promote democracy and advance U.S. national security interests."[1] The current international system and the US as a leader needs to present truthful messages, because the international system is constantly in anarchy, whether it is related to religious, ethnical, or other issues.

This year, RFE celebrates 60^th anniversary in the Czech Republic. The President Vaclav Havel in his congratulating message admits the significance RFE played when Czechoslovakia existed and when the communist ideas had to be fought. However, he also states: “I hope that RFE/RL will continue to pursue in the post-modern and politically unstable world the same goals for which it was established, and which the radio faithfully and steadfastly served: defense of human rights, civic rights and human dignity.”[2]

One cannot disagree that RFE does not play important role in the globalized world. US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, put it very simply: “"RFE/RL is smart power. It represents everything we are trying to achieve."[3]

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[1] Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty. (2010). RFE/RL Marks 60 Years of Fighting For Freedom. July 2. [Online]. Available from: http://www.rferl.org/content/RFERL_60_Year_Anniversary_press_room_press_release/2089487.html. [Accessed 17 May, 2011]

[2] Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty. (2011)..Havel Congratulates RFE On Anniversary of First Czechoslovak Broadcasts. May 12. [Online]. Available from: http://www.rferl.org/content/off_mic_havel_congratulates_rfe_on_60th_anniversary/24099525.html. [Accessed 17 May, 2011]

[3] Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty. (2009). Hillary Clinton:”RFE/RL is smart power”. April 8. [Online]. Available from: http://www.rferl.org/content/pressrelease/1604641.html. [Accessed 17 May, 2011]