After the decision was made to close the Russian-speaking radio of Latvian public media LR4, Belarusian propaganda was discovered on its wave in Latgale, reports LSM.
On the frequency 107.7 in Daugavpils, the receiver now "catches" Radio Belarus — a division of the National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus. It broadcasts not only in Russian and Belarusian but also in English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic, as it was created specifically to shape the image of the Republic of Belarus abroad.
The National Council for Electronic Media emphasizes that it cannot be claimed that the Latvian Radio 4's place in Latgale has been taken over by Belarusian radio, as Latvian Radio 4 used to broadcast on the frequency 88.7 in Daugavpils. And now there is silence there. At the same time, it is very difficult to jam Belarusian radio on the frequency 107.7, where LR4 radio could previously be listened to in Riga.
"Theoretically, it would be possible to try to jam the signal somehow, but such measures are disproportionately expensive. Of course, it is very bad that this is happening, but at the moment it is practically impossible to fight against it. It should also be understood that Latvian content also crosses the border. It can be heard in the border areas of Russia and Belarus," said Ivars Abolins, head of the National Council for Electronic Media.
And although the Belarusian signal on frequency 107.7, which is now causing so much noise, has been breaking through in Latvia before, there is a nuance.
Previously, Belarusian radio "Culture Channel" broadcasted on this frequency. But on February 4 of this year, the National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus decided to move the radio station "Belarus" to this frequency. Whether this is related to the fact that the frequency became available in Riga or not is unknown.
According to the plans of the National Council for Electronic Media, frequency 107.7 will sound again in Latvia — a competition for the right to broadcast in Riga has already been announced.
The main requirement for applicants is the ability to ensure continuous round-the-clock broadcasting in the Latvian language.
Applications for the competition can be submitted until April 9, and a decision must be made no later than July 9, 2026.
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