After one year, the RSF Svoboda satellite package gears up for expansion
It has been one year since the launch of the Svoboda satellite and countering Russian propaganda has never been more important. The Svoboda project, launched by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) currently offers 12 independent television channels, most of which are in Russian to target Russian citizens and Russophones worldwide. Broadcast from the Eutelsat satellite at 13° East, it reaches more than 61 million households across Europe, including 4.5 million in Russia. Svodoba recently launched its own website and will now expand its impact through new distribution channels and more content.
Named after the Russian word for "freedom," the Svoboda satellite package has brought reliable news sources to regions and populations fed by disinformation and propaganda for the past year. The decision to launch a satellite package was a strategic move: satellite television is the primary news source of approximately 45% of Russian households — and satellite broadcasting is outside of the Kremlin’s control. Now, RSF plans to grow this platform by adding channels and exploring new mediums for bringing journalism to those who need it most, including via its new website.
"One year after its launch, the Svoboda satellite package has proven its lasting technical stability, despite jamming attempts, and has offered a growing range of content to audiences. This project embodies RSF’s commitment not only to support independent media producers but also to ensure that citizens have access to reliable information. It stands as a proof of concept that Russian, Ukrainian, and international news producers can join forces to share costs and amplify their reach. We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners and teams whose dedication has made this possible."
Broadcast from the Eutelsat satellite at 13° East, it reaches more than 61 million households across Europe, including 4.5 million in Russia. The project has been supported since the beginning by the European Union and has just been granted funding as part of a pilot project of the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology.
RSF launched Svodoba right as Russia ramped up its war on press freedom, using both technological and legal means to increase restrictions on the dissemination of reliable information. Since the satellite’s launch, Russian authorities have attempted to restrict YouTube content by slowing its playback speed, making it difficult for users to watch videos; most industry experts predict that YouTube may soon be completely blocked.
According to RSF data, at least 40 journalists are currently detained in the country due to their work, persecuted under laws designed to silence the free press. Dozens of exiled journalists have been prosecuted in absentia since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, an event that aggravated the Kremlin’s crackdown.
The satellite package has become increasingly important as other projects to spread reliable information in Russia face great threats: the US-funded media group RFE/RL has provided an alternative source of information to Russian speakers for over 30 years, yet Elon Musk recently suggested that it should be “shut down” in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Svoboda collaborates with RFE/RL and hopes to continue this partnership long into the future. At the same time, recent political developments in the United States highlight the need for Europe to have its own projects that uphold public access to reliable information. Svoboda is a significant step towards that goal.
