A radio station based in suburban Kansas City is facing criticism for airing Russian state-sponsored programming during the Ukrainian war
Highlights
- Radio Sputnik is funded by the Russian government.
- Peter Schartel runs a low-budget radio station in suburban Kansas City, Missouri.
- He says he’s standing up for free speech and alternative viewpoints.
- Critics say he’s promoting propaganda and misinformation by airing Russian state-sponsored programming.
- The National Association of Broadcasters issued a statement on March 1 calling on broadcasters to stop carrying Russian programming with ties to Russia or its agents.
- The NAB is a “fierce defender” of free speech, but given Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, “we believe that our nation must stand fully united against misinformation,” NAB CEO says.