Reaching Audiences
Operating within some of the world’s most closed media environments, RFE/RL is pioneering the implementation of technology that combats state censorship, allowing our local services to reach our audiences. Our priorities are two-fold: to counter disinformation by providing independent reporting; and to ensure our audience can access our content safely.
Circumventing State Censorship
RFE/RL’s priority is always to meet our audience where they are. Our strategies to circumvent censorship are therefore particular to each region so that we are matching our tools to each audience’s needs. However, there are a few commonalities to our overall approach.
Using Innovative Tools
In collaboration with developers at the Open Technology Fund, we use innovative digital tools such as Tor, which offers anonymized browsing; mirror sites that keep websites live by duplicating information across different URLs; and downloadable apps with built-in safe, free, and effective virtual private networks (VPNs).
Our services
Where We Work
RFE/RL reports in 24 languages to 18 countries, reaching more than 44 million people every week.
Afghanistan
Despite significant pressure from the Taliban, Radio Azadi is one of the most popular and trusted media outlets in Afghanistan.
Russia
RFE/RL’s programming for Russia is a multi-platform lifeline of uncensored news, serving as an essential counterweight to Kremlin propaganda for audiences in Russia and beyond.
Ukraine
RFE/RL’s Ukrainian Service is a trusted, award-winning outlet with a growing audience in Ukraine that provides comprehensive coverage of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
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