No room for Russian state radio station, says Technical Surveillance Authority
Estonia does not have a vacant radio frequency, meaning that the Russian state-run media project “Sputnik” will only be able to set up an internet radio station in Estonia, says the Technical Surveillance Authority.
Russia unveiled the “Sputnik project” a week ago, with plans to begin broadcasting news with a Russian perspetive of world affairs in 34 languages, including Estonian.
Peeter Sookruus, a representative of the authority, said that the state handed out 29 frequencies this year, which is the limit. He added that most programs heard on a radio station must be created in Estonia, and that is the reason why Euro FM, a Russian-language station, was recently closed down.
According to Sookruus, stations can still be shut down by the government if they incite hatred or call upon people to break laws.
Communications expert Raul Rebane said that the 'Sputnik' project is a clear attempt to enforce Russia's rules and world view on Estonia, and thus Estonia must react. “Of course, we could stay silent, but in light of the recent developments in foreign politics, there is no point in looking away.”