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In a concerning development for Latvia’s media landscape, Belarusian state radio can now be heard on frequency 107.7 in Daugavpils, prompting questions about information security in the Baltic nation’s border regions.
The broadcast, identified as Radio Belarus—an arm of the National State Television and Radio Company of the Republic of Belarus—represents Belarus’s official external voice designed to shape the country’s image internationally. The station broadcasts in multiple languages including Russian, Belarusian, English, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic, highlighting its strategic role in Belarus’s international communication efforts.
The National Council for Electronic Media (NCEM) has clarified that this is not technically a case of Belarusian radio “replacing” Latvia’s public broadcaster. According to officials, Latvian Radio 4 previously used frequency 88.7 in Daugavpils, which is now silent, rather than the 107.7 frequency where the Belarusian signal is being received.
NCEM chairman Ivars Abolins acknowledged the problem but cited prohibitive costs as the main barrier to action. “Theoretically, it would be possible to try to jam the signal somehow, but such measures are disproportionately expensive,” Abolins explained. “Of course, it is very bad that this is happening, but at the moment it is practically impossible to fight against it.”
Abolins also pointed out the reciprocal nature of cross-border broadcasting, noting that “Latvian content also crosses the border. It can be heard in the border areas of Russia and Belarus.”
The situation reveals a nuanced development in regional information flows. While Belarusian signals have previously been detected on frequency 107.7 in Latvia, a significant change occurred on February 4 this year when Belarus’s national broadcaster switched from broadcasting its “Culture Channel” to the more internationally focused “Radio Belarus” on this frequency. This timing raises questions about whether the change was strategically implemented to coincide with the frequency becoming available in Riga, though no definitive connection has been established.
The situation highlights growing concerns about information warfare in the Baltic states, which have been increasingly vigilant about Russian and Belarusian propaganda efforts since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Latvia, as an EU and NATO member sharing borders with both Russia and Belarus, has been particularly attentive to foreign influence operations.
Media experts note that radio remains a surprisingly effective medium for cross-border propaganda, as signals naturally travel across political boundaries and can reach populations with limited internet access or those who prefer traditional media.
The NCEM has already taken steps to address the frequency vacancy, announcing a competition for broadcasting rights on the 107.7 frequency in Riga. The regulatory body has established that applicants must guarantee continuous, round-the-clock broadcasting in the Latvian language—a requirement that underscores Latvia’s commitment to strengthening its national media presence.
Applications for the competition will be accepted until April 9, with a final decision expected by July 9, 2026. This extended timeline suggests the complex regulatory and technical considerations involved in frequency allocation.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges Baltic nations face in maintaining their information sovereignty in a region where media spaces frequently overlap with those of neighboring states that may have competing strategic interests. As Latvia works to reclaim its airwaves, the situation serves as a reminder of how traditional broadcasting remains relevant in contemporary information security challenges.
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12 Comments
This is a worrying development. Belarus has a long history of using propaganda and disinformation to undermine its neighbors. The Latvian authorities must take decisive action to prevent Belarusian state media from gaining a foothold in their information space, even if the costs are high.
You’re right. Latvia cannot afford to be complacent in the face of this threat. Allowing Belarusian propaganda to spread unchecked could have serious consequences for their national security and democratic institutions. The government needs to prioritize finding an effective solution.
It’s disappointing to see Belarusian propaganda spreading into Latvia. While the technical challenges and costs may be daunting, the Latvian authorities have a responsibility to prevent foreign disinformation from undermining their country’s information security and democratic institutions.
Absolutely. The Latvian government should make this a top priority and work with media regulators, security agencies, and international partners to find an effective solution to block the Belarusian broadcast and protect Latvian citizens from this propaganda.
This is a worrying development. Belarus is known for its aggressive efforts to spread disinformation and shape international perceptions. The Latvian authorities must act quickly to address this issue and ensure their citizens have access to reliable, independent information.
I hope the Latvian government can find a way to counter this Belarusian propaganda without incurring prohibitive costs. The integrity of Latvia’s media landscape and national security are at stake here, and they need to explore all viable options to address this threat.
It’s troubling to see Belarus exploiting gaps in Latvia’s media landscape to spread its propaganda. While the technical and financial challenges may be significant, the Latvian authorities have a responsibility to prevent foreign disinformation campaigns from undermining their country’s information security.
I agree. This issue goes beyond just media regulation – it’s a matter of national security. The Latvian government should work closely with international partners to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter this threat and protect their citizens from the influence of Belarusian state propaganda.
It’s concerning to see Belarus exploiting gaps in Latvia’s media landscape to spread its propaganda. While the costs may be high, the Latvian authorities have a duty to protect their citizens from foreign disinformation campaigns. I hope they can find an effective solution to block the Belarusian broadcast.
Agreed. This is a serious issue that goes beyond just media regulation. The Latvian government should view it as a national security concern and work with international partners to strengthen their ability to counter such malign foreign influence operations.
This is concerning. Belarusian state propaganda should not be allowed to infiltrate Latvia’s airwaves, even if the costs of blocking it are high. The Latvian government needs to find a way to counter this malign influence and protect its citizens’ access to reliable information.
I agree. Given the strategic importance of this issue, the government should explore all options, including potential international assistance, to address this threat to Latvia’s media landscape and national security.