Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, nine radio transmitters operated by Hromadske Radio (Громадське радіо – https://hromadske.radio/)) have been allegedly destroyed or taken over by Russian forces, rendering them unusable. Victoria Yermolayeva (Вікторія Єрмолаєва), the outlet’s editor-in-chief, shared this on 11 December 2024 in a interview with Ukraine’s Institute of Mass Information (Інститут масової інформації – IMI – https://imi.org.ua/en). The lost transmitters were crucial for maintaining communication with audiences in contested regions. These transmitters were located in Ukraine in Zorynivka (Зоринівка), Lysychansk (Лисичанськ), Volnovakha (Волноваха), Mariupol (Маріуполь), Bilolutsk (Білолуцьк), Bilovodsk (Біловодськ), Starobilsk (Старобільськ), Bakhmutivka (Бахмутівка), and Pokrovsk (Покровськ), areas now under occupation or close to active conflict in Ukraine’s Luhansk (Луганськ) and Donetsk (Донецьк) regions.
You can read Victoria interview for IMI here: https://imi.org.ua/monitorings/golovredka-gromadskogo-radio-my-ne-podayemo-informatsiyu-isterychno-i-ne-podayemo-yiyi-obnadijlyvo-i65374
Yermolayeva emphasized that the loss of these facilities goes beyond financial setbacks, representing a significant blow to maintaining a vital dialogue with Ukrainian citizens trapped in territories exposed to Russian propaganda. She noted the immense value of Hromadske Radio’s content, which often delivers life-saving information. Despite the challenges, the station has managed to maintain a presence in occupied territories through innovative solutions, such as broadcasting via the Android-based Ceno browser, which bypasses censorship without requiring a special virtual private network (VPN).
The organization has also undertaken measures to adapt and grow despite the crisis. Over the past year, Hromadske Radio has significantly expanded its digital reach, particularly on YouTube, achieving a sevenfold increase in viewership and more than quadrupling its subscriber base compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, the outlet continues to foster young talent, implement AI-driven tools, and strengthen its internal operations. These efforts have earned Hromadske Radio many international recognition, including certification from the Journalism Trust Initiative (JTI – https://www.journalismtrustinitiative.org/) and inclusion in Ukraine’s “White List” of transparent and responsible media. In total, the Hromadske Radio team consists today of about 60 staff members in total, about 45 people work in the newsroom.
Reflecting on her experience living under occupation in Crimea (Крим), Yermolayeva stressed the critical importance of communication with people in occupied areas. She recalled the sense of isolation many felt in 2014 and called for stronger outreach from media and authorities alike. Despite immense risks, Hromadske Radio remains committed to expanding its network, including plans to secure new frequencies in frontline areas such as Zaporizhzhia (Запоріжжя), Ukraine, ensuring that even those in the most challenging circumstances have access to reliable information.
Hromadske Radio’s mission is clear, to bridge the gap between Ukrainians, whether in occupied territories or on the frontlines, and the broader national conversation. Through innovation, resilience, and commitment, the station continues to stand as a beacon of truth amid an ongoing struggle for freedom and information.
The South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) condemns the destruction and seizure of nine Hromadske Radio broadcasting towers since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. These actions not only undermine press freedom but also sever vital communication lines to audiences in conflict-affected and occupied territories, further isolating communities already living under oppressive conditions. SEEMO views this as a grave violation of media and democratic rights and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) is a regional non-governmental, non profit network of editors, media executives and leading journalists in Southeast, South, East and Central Europe. SEEMO members are in Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Moldova (with the territory of Transdnestria), Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye / Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan. Austria, Italy, Vatican and San Marino have a special status in SEEMO. SEEMO has over 3000 individual members, and additional media as corporate members.
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