Congressional Delegation Visits RFE/RL

(Prague, Czech Republic–August 14, 2001) RFE/RL President Thomas A. Dine welcomed a U.S. Congressional delegation to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s broadcast center in Prague last Friday, August 10.

The delegation was led by Rep. W.J. “Billy” Tauzin (R-LA), the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Other members of the delegation, all of whom also serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee, included Ranking Member Rep. John Dingell (D-MI), Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX), Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA), Rep. Karen McCarthy (D-MO), and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL).

During an extensive briefing, the visitors familiarized themselves with all phases of RFE/RL’s activities, but focused their attention on RFE/RL’s use of telecommunications technology. As a modern communications company RFE/RL produces news, information and analysis both for its traditional radio audience and a new audience of Internet users worldwide.

Chairman Tauzin said that he was pleased that RFE/RL was making such effective use of new technology in advancing democratic values, and that RFE/RL broadcasts were reaching an ever-larger audience by adapting new technologies to its mission. He commended RFE/RL as “relevant to U.S. foreign policy.”