Independent Russian online TV broadcaster Doschd had to leave Russia in March. Now Latvia is withdrawing his license because he is said to be too protective of Russians.
A phrase that showed understanding for the situation of Russians who were forced to mobilize put an end to the station. Latvian authorities have revoked the license of the independent Russian online TV channel Dozhd (Rain). As of December 8, journalists will no longer be able to broadcast their stories via cable. As a result, Doschd not only loses its reputation, but advertising revenue as well. Dozhd is a threat to Latvia’s security, said Ivars Āboliņš, head of the Latvian National Council for Electronic Mass Media, adding that Dozhd’s leadership is unaware of the seriousness of its violations. After all, Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks advised journalists to return to Russia.
These are stark statements that show the tragedy of Russian liberal journalism – and the pressure on media makers who feel empathy for their country and its people and, at the same time, so much revulsion. Anyone who tries to approach a black and white look in a different way and is unable to turn against the radicalism that war and its consequences bring with it.