Stating real reasons why US sanctions Russian news agency
Date
9/19/2024 7:52:00 AM
(MENAFN) In late 1986, significant discussions within the Soviet leadership led to a pivotal shift in how the country handled foreign media broadcasts. Yegor Ligachev, the secretary of the Soviet Communist Party’s Central Committee, along with Viktor Chebrikov, the then-head of the KGB, proposed a cessation of the practice of jamming foreign radio stations, a tactic commonly used to suppress what were referred to as “enemy voices.” This terminology was popular at the time and reflected the broader mindset of the Soviet Regime regarding outside influences.
The motivation behind this proposal was not rooted in any ideological enlightenment but rather in pragmatic considerations. Ligachev and Chebrikov presented their argument to the Central Committee, highlighting the financial and logistical burdens associated with blocking these broadcasts. They argued that jamming was costly and largely ineffective, especially given the vast geography of the Soviet Union. Instead, they advocated for reallocating resources toward counter-propaganda efforts—essentially, more proactive engagement with international audiences to effectively communicate the Soviet Union's perspectives on global events.
This approach was not just an internal policy discussion; it was part of a broader diplomatic strategy. During a meeting with United States President Ronald Reagan in Iceland, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev brought up the issue of media broadcasting. He noted that the United States had a significant advantage with its "Voice of America" radio station, which broadcasted around the clock in various languages from stations across Europe and Asia. Gorbachev argued that the Soviet Union lacked a similar platform to convey its viewpoint to the American populace. In a bid for equality, he proposed that if the United States would allow the Soviet Union to have a frequency in the United States for broadcasting, he would agree to stop jamming "Voice of America" broadcasts.
Reagan, however, did not provide a firm commitment, instead offering to consult further upon his return to the United States. Ultimately, the Soviet leadership decided to unilaterally end the practice of jamming foreign radio stations without any formal agreement in place.
This historical episode serves as a reminder of the complexities of international media relations and the ongoing struggle for narrative control in global politics. It illustrates how regimes may adapt their strategies in response to the realities of information dissemination and the importance of engaging with foreign audiences on their own terms.
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