Why Russian Residents of Latvia Rarely Watch Television Funded by Their Taxes 0 9

The matter was discussed at the Saeima Commission on Human Rights and Public Affairs, where they examined state-funded media, referred to as public media.

The Chairwoman of the Council for Public Electronic Media, Sanita Upleja-Egermane, acknowledged that there had been a significant decline in popularity, as "they did not see their opinion on the events in Ukraine." The question, however, is whether "we would like to widely reflect this opinion, is it legitimate?"

...Of course, the viewpoint of tens of thousands of people born in Ukraine and living in Latvia for many decades, as well as hundreds of thousands of people who have relatives there and have visited multiple times — cannot be of the slightest interest to state TV.

The Director's Death United Viewers and Readers

A. Saulitis stated that among Russian speakers, there are many who are "extremely critical" and do not use national media. He struggled to determine the causal relationship and referred to the fact that this issue is being studied by the Stradins University.

– They do not see themselves in this content, – said S. Upleja-Egermane. But there is nothing to be done: "Satversme implies unity, not separation." Hence, a new approach is being implemented, where there will no longer be "segregation," and everything will be transmitted in Latvian. There is, of course, translation of certain materials on the LSM internet platform, but again, "so that we consume the same thing."

On Wednesday, national journalists included representatives of national minorities who may "not speak in standard Latvian, with an accent, and so on." An example of the common content starting to become popular was the demand for materials about the recently deceased director J. Streiche.

The approach is certainly interesting... Unfortunately, in Latvia, there are many various "prominences" of advanced age; inevitably, obituaries will be published, and we will all cry together, reading in unison. Or, say, a national pop idol caught in a crash with 2 promille of alcohol — again, a topic of common interest.

Is It Allowed? Eat!

– The fact that they need to present something separate only contributes to alienation, rather than living in one space, – believes the head of the Council for Electronic Public Media, which is funded by all residents of Latvia through their taxes, regardless of ethnic affiliation, citizenship, and political views. However, the content is provided on a different principle.

It’s like if in a restaurant you entered, they took your money in advance, and then the chef brought out some twisted substance on a plate, declaring that this is the latest trend in molecular cuisine. And don’t argue — today everyone gets this.

As for living in shared housing — well, that’s life. However, sometimes neighbors should knock on the radiator so that they don’t make so much noise — in the company of cheerful guests.