Many thanks to SWLing Post contributor, David Iurescia (LW4DAF), who shares the following news from Radio Slovakia International:
RSI addressed by President
On Thursday, RSI celebrated 25 years of its existence at a special event. Besides welcoming the newly appointed Culture Minister ?ubica Laššáková, the Education Minister Martina Lubyová, the US Ambassador Adam Sterling, the Russian Ambassador Alexej Fedotov, other diplomats and representatives of RTVS, the editorial team was also addressed by the Slovak President Andrej Kiska.
At the beginning of his video speech, Andrej Kiska congratulated the team on their 25 years of broadcasting abroad. He underscored the role of public service radio at a time when there is an array of questionable and doubtful sources of information. “A public service radio which is – quite rightly – subject to public control; which verifies the sources of its information. A public radio whose editorial team can be sure of their information.” Said the President, adding that the issue of freedom of speech and its limits is a big subject of debate globally. “But it is also a key factor because … it is not only those of our citizens who may find themselves for a certain time outside Slovakia’s borders, who live or work abroad, who deserve verified and truthful information. Our fellow Slovaks living abroad also deserve it. And in fact everyone who takes an interest in what is happening in Slovakia or Central Europe and wants to find out more deserves it”, concluded Andrej Kiska.
On the occasion of the 25 years since the launch of the independent foreign broadcast by the public Slovak Radio, Radio Slovakia International was also addressed by the Foreign Minister Miroslav Laj?ák: ” 37 years ago, Music TV aired the hit “Video kills the radio stars”. I am very happy today that this black vision has not come true and radio was, is and will be.” The Foreign Minister continued with a remark on the important anniversaries to be remembered in 2018. To the centenary of the former Czechoslovakia, 50 years since the Prague spring and 25 years of an independent Slovak Republic, Miroslav Laj?ák added 25 years of the Slovak Radio foreign service.
According to the the RTVS General Director, Jaroslav Rezník, broadcasting abroad should be part of the fully-fledged portfolio of every public media. Back in 1993, Radio Slovakia International informed about the establishment of the new country, later on about its transformation and success story. Today, RSI represents the primary source of relevant information about Slovakia on the internet, too. In his speech given on the occasion of its 25th birthday, Jaroslav Rezník called RSI the media foreign affairs ministry. “I am very happy that today I can meet people who were at the beginning as well as those who today are preparing broadcasts not only for RSI but also for the Slovak Radio as a proud and patriotic company”, said the current RTVS General Director.
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