While most U.S. broadcasting companies have disassociated themselves from any Russian state-sponsored programming, KCXL Radio in Liberty, Missouri, is running Russian propagandist network Radio Sputnik.
According to ABC News, station owner Peter Schartel started airing the Russian programming in January 2020. Schartel’s station is one of only two radio stations left in the U.S. that runs Radio Sputnik programming.
“Some will talk to me, but others will still call me a piece of whatever,” he said. “What I am thankful for is we are still living in a country where they can call me up. Even if they aren’t thinking about free speech, they’re exercising that right.”
Earlier this month, NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt said the organization is a “fierce defender” of free speech but that given Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, ”we believe that our nation must stand fully united against misinformation and for freedom and democracy across the globe.”
The Kansas City Star said in an editorial that Schartel is putting his financial needs above ethics by spreading Russian propaganda.
