“Everywhere – even under Russian occupation – radio waves still find their way”
To mark World Radio Day, Radio Prague International spoke with Iryna Slavinska, Director of Radio Culture – the third channel of Ukraine’s public broadcaster Suspilne. What role does radio play in war-torn Ukraine? And what can a station focused specifically on culture contribute?
Iryna Slavinska joined Radio Culture in 2018. A philology graduate, she also brings extensive experience in education and cultural work, and is fluent in French.
“For me, radio remains something very powerful, very influential and very transparent. Radio has no borders,” she describes.
This has become particularly evident since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, when, as Slavinska notes, radio often became the only Ukrainian media outlet accessible to people under Russian occupation.
“Today, this is the case in occupied Crimea, in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and in parts of the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Everywhere – even under Russian occupation – radio waves still find their way. I am referring, of course, to Ukrainian broadcasts, which continue to deliver the truth and accurate information to Ukrainians suffering under the Russian army,” Slavinska adds.
She also points out that radio remains one of the few ways for civilians to stay informed during power cuts following Russian bombardments.
“I know that many people have returned to the habit of listening to the radio, and for us as journalists, this has strengthened our awareness of how important our work is and how closely connected we are to Ukrainian households.”
Radio Culture provides news updates throughout the day, even amid its cultural programmes. Slavinska emphasises that having a dedicated cultural radio station — broadcasting exclusively in Ukrainian and intentionally excluding Russian composers — carries its own significance.
“Culture in Ukraine, especially since 2022, helps people reconnect with their Ukrainian identity. Culture does not exist separately from life, war or politics. Discovering and better understanding Ukrainian culture is also part of defending our identity. Many people draw strength from our programming, even when it is not directly about the war or the front line.
Yet the connection to the front line is never far away, as working with artists who have first-hand experience as soldiers is a big part of Radio Culture’s programming.
“My colleagues in the radio drama department prepare plays written by people who have had experience as soldiers. Our daily programmes regularly feature artists who are veterans — either former soldiers or members of the Ukrainian defence forces. Our music department also works with symphonic compositions created as part of artistic reflections on the war. It is a great honour for us. I believe this is where some of the deepest understanding of what is really happening in Ukraine can be found.”
The reach of Ukrainian Radio Culture has been significant for years. Slavinska notes that already in 2014, access to Ukrainian radio was important for people in Donetsk or Crimea.
“Personally, it moved me deeply. I often received messages on social media from people listening to us under occupation. Even now, it brings tears to my eyes and reminds me how important our work is.”
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