Your letters

The World Service of the Voice of Russia (Radio Moscow) has been a source of information and entertainment for me since its inception. I also listened regularly to Radio Moscow’s North American Service, which I had discovered shortly after purchasing my first shortwave radio in 1974. I have always enjoyed listening to your excellent programs, since media coverage of Russia and its people has often been extremely limited, and, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, it has become even more scarce, focusing almost exclusively on disasters. Programs such as Russia: People and Events and Moscow Mailbag have helped to fill in many gaps in my understanding of daily life of both ordinary people and celebrities in Russia.

Of course, the programs about Russian music and literature are among my favorites. In particular, I was captivated by Folk Box hosted by Marina Dymova, and Audio Book Club has maintained its high quality over the years. I like Russian by Radio, but shortwave reception has never been all that great. Things improved in the late 1980’s when our local cable provider decided that it might be a good idea to broadcast both the BBC and Voice of America on FM radio. Sometimes, however, their signal would go astray, and we ended up with Radio Moscow.

I thought that this was very amusing, and I encourage my friends to tune in.

I was a sporadic listener during the 1990’s, since a husband and small children occupied most of my time and attention. In February of this year, our family finally joined the Internet crowd. The first thing I did was find the Russian radio web page, and I was delighted to discover the Voice of Russia among the listed stations.

I tune in as often as possible, and I enjoy all of your programs. I really appreciated being able to download the programs about Stalingrad. They are excellent.

I’m glad that Irene Larina is still broadcasting, and I also like Svetlana Yekimenko in particular. Although I am not all that interested in business and marketing, I think that Eugene Nikitenko gives interesting and enlivening presentations. Of course, Joe Adamov is wonderful. As a simple minded Canadian, I would like to hear more about sports in Russia as well as some sort of program devoted to current popular music in Russia. Thank you for twenty five wonderful years.

Cris Hall, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I started listening to Radio Moscow as a young boy around 1951. Then around 1991 I started tuning in to the Voice of Russia. I originally started listening to Radio Moscow to find out what our enemy in the cold war was saying. This grew into a general interest in the Soviet Union and Russia. Because of the historic contrasts between our countries I like to get a Russian viewpoint on current events to contrast it with views here in the United States. My favorite programs are your news reports, Timelines and Moscow Mailbag. My favorite broadcasters are Estelle Winters and, of course, Joe Adamov.

James Pitts, Mechanicsville, Maryland, USA

Congratulations on the World Service 25th anniversary! I’m very happy to take part in your jubilee poll. I began listening to your broadcasts in 2001. My hobby is monitoring various radio stations. I am interested in international politics, economy and culture. Among the many broadcasting stations the Voice of Russia is one of my favorites because you have a wide variety of different programs! Moreover, your country is close to my country, Japan, so I can always hear your programs clearly! My favorite program is SONGS FROM RUSSIA, and my favorite broadcaster is Mr.Carl Watts.

Isamu Ehara, Tokyo, Japan

Congratulations on your 25th anniversary of broadcasting! I have listened to you for four or five years on several frequencies. I enjoy music, history and ethnic programs. Your programs give me a new window on the world. News from other countries is helpful in understanding how life is there. Do hope you continue broadcasting.

Mrs. Sarah Bruny, Akron, Ohio, USA

I started listening to the Voice of Russia back in 1986, when I was in the army. I had bought a cheap radio that happened to have shortwave. I caught the Voice of Russia by accident and after that I was hooked. I listen today, because I really enjoy the programming. My favorite announcers are Joe Adamov, Carl Watts, Irene Larina, and Svetlana Yekimenko. They are like old friends every time I listen. My favorite show is “Moscow Yesterday and Today”. I would like a program on US-Russian relations. Keep up the good work.

Eric Blough, USA

I can remember listening to Radio Moscow some forty years ago on a Philips tabletop radio and hearing the distinct voice of Joe Adamov on Moscow Mailbag.

Even though times have changed, some things seem to remain the same, including Joe Adamov and the excellent reception for today’s Voice of Russia. I listen to the World Service of the Voice of Russia, because Russia is a great civilization in world history, and it continues to make an invaluable contribution in today’s new world order. As a listener, I’m fascinated by its rich turbulent past, the indomitable spirit of its people and their present resilience and optimism for a bright future.

Richard Chen, Tacarigua, Trinidad

Greetings from Vancouver Island, Canada! It must be about four years now since I discovered our CBC overnight service, which broadcasts programs from all over the world, including the Voice of Russia. What an amazingly interesting perspective one can develop by being exposed to such a divergent spectrum of variety! (And frankly, as you might just imagine, I get a little tired of being bombarded with the constant feed from CNN and the US entertainment industry in general…). As you know, the Canadian public is made up of just about every ethnicity, religion, creed and color on the face of the planet. It’s really interesting and entertaining to hear so many ‘homeland’ discussions and opinions, which can help to explain and enhance peoples’ backgrounds and traditions.

Patricia Scott, Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada

Congratulations to the Voice of Russia World Service on its anniversary. I’ve meant to write to the Voice of Russia, so I might as well use this as the opportunity to do so. I’ve come to appreciate the Voice of Russia for its different perspectives as well as for informing me about a part of this world that has fascinated me since I was a child. Its cultural programming has enabled me to become more familiar with that country’s rich heritage. I discovered the Voice of Russia as an exchange student in Tubingen, Germany, where I could pick up its AM broadcasts. A few years later, when I found out that I could listen to radio broadcasts from around the world via the Internet, I listened to the Voice of Russia via WRN. My favorite programs are Moscow Mailbag that features Joe Adamov with his insightful and encyclopedic perspective of the world and The Christian Message from Moscow, which has educated me on the branch of Christianity that has fascinated me the most outside of my Protestant Evangelical underpinnings, the Russian Orthodox Church. I hope someday to travel to Moscow and hopefully meet those on the VOR staff. Keep up the high quality broadcast journalism. It has certainly been an important alternative supplement to the corporate controlled media in the United States.

Kip Winans, Portland, Oregon, USA

I began listening to World Service broadcasts in the first 6 months after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States. The terrorist attacks had a profound effect on my life, and these events certainly reconnected me with my own international interests in life, in the world, and in shortwave radio. So, I got a shortwave receiver and began to follow international shortwave and Voice of Russia World Service broadcasts. As I was a ‘cold war’ child in Washington, DC, I’ve always felt a special connection to Russia. I studied Russian in school and have great admiration for Russia itself. I always have. As a college student in the 1970’s, I did have a shortwave receiver once and heard Radio Moscow, although I didn’t follow the programs and no longer have that original receiver.

Ms.Patty Edwards, Ventura, California, USA

I started listening about 6 weeks ago, when I bought a shortwave receiver. They’re not common in the States, I believe. But, when I was a teen, in the 50’s and 60’s, I used to listen to Radio Moscow on my father’s shortwave receiver. I believe that inter-national and inter-personal relations in this world depend on mutual understanding. The more I know about Russia and the Russian people, the better I can understand what to us in the States has been for too long an utterly unknown are of the world. I believe it is important to hear the news form other areas of the world as a counterbalance to the news media in the United States. I usually listen around 11-12 PM EST, and your signal is loud and clear. I appreciate your service and urge you to keep up the good work for 25 more years, and beyond.

Rev. Douglas Burger, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, USA

Today I tuned in on shortwave to your English Service and heard the 4 questions of your anniversary quiz. Here’re my answers. I began listening to Radio Moscow, as it was then called, in 1957. At the time I lived in the U.K., my home town of Leeds. I was 21 years of age, and, like many people then, was worried about the cold war. I had become interested in radio, and especially the shortwave, so I used to tune in to your news broadcasts every night. At the time I was using a home-made radio with headphones. In 1970 I came to live here in Melbourne and have been listening in ever since. These days the cold war is over, but I’m older now and am still very interested in life in other lands. I often ask Joe Adamov questions about life and politics in Russia. I listen to the Voice of Russia now for news and entertainment and especially like Russian classical ballets, so I hear my favorite music too.

Don Rhodes , Yarra Glen, Victoria, Australia

I began to listen to your broadcasts last month. Since I was a college student, I’ve studied Russian history and briefly studied the Russian language. I’m interested in Russian culture and find your international news broadcasts a healthy alternative to what I receive in the United States. I would like to see more frequent editions of Moscow Mailbag. I would also enjoy more national Russian news. I would like more than 2 hours of Voice of Russia per day, but that is all I can currently obtain on my Internet service.

Matt Vaughn, Fairfield, Illinois, USA

For about four years I’ve tuned in to the Voice of Russia four or five nights weekly. I also tune in to several other stations when reception on my DX-375 allows here in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I’m 63 years old.

In addition to main news events and featured editorials, I find that Joe Adamov’s feature often brings a smile. It also suggests credibility.

Tom McGraw, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

I have been listening to the Voice of Russia and Radio Moscow since 1957. I was so excited when a letter of mine was read on Moscow Mailbag around that time. I was only 14 years old! My favorite programs now are Moscow Mailbag, Audio Book Club and Science and Engineering. I especially enjoy Audio Book Club with its rare treats of folk tales. Also, I enjoy the musical programs, but in many cases shortwave doesn’t transmit music well.

Michael Rutkaus, Winchester, Virginia, USA

My listening goes back to 1957, when my Mom and Dad presented me with my first shortwave receiver for my eleventh birthday, which is still at my side. Of course, you were then Radio Moscow, those were the Cold War days, and I was presented with hushed tones by my schoolmates when I told them I was headed home to listen to Radio Moscow! I think I enjoyed the shock value of it and raised so much curiosity that I had to bring some tapes to school so that they would believe me. During the Cold War years Radio Moscow had many high-powered shortwave transmitters to reach the North American continent; hence, when an American flipped on the shortwave band on his/her radio out of curiosity, frequently, the first voice they heard came from Moscow, and given the bellicose times, there was lots of suspicion and, let’s call it fear, for something so far away that seemed like it was broadcasting from next door! I continue listening to the Voice of Russia, because I value all learned and sincere opinions about the state of the world. Just keep the news, music and information coming!

Richard Phoenix, Plainfield, New Jersey, USA

I began listening sometime in 1996. I really like Russia, learning about Russia, keeping up with current events in Russia… Of course, my favorite program is Moscow Mailbag and Joe Adamov. I also like You Write to Moscow and the music programs, which play World War II music, Moscow Yesterday and Today, the Christian Message from Moscow and anything dealing with history, like the specials on the Stalingrad battle.

John Devon, Long Beach, California, USA

I started listening in 1981 when I was 21 years old. I started by listening to the news. I was later interested in how Radio Moscow covered political events over here and especially the miners strike in our country. In the past I listened to get a different perspective on the East-West divide. But after that and now, the news, science and technology programs, culture and music have always been of interest.

Ray Fox, Scunthorpe, U.K.

I caught Joe Adamov by sheer chance back in the 60’s on a little shortwave radio that I bought at the corner home-appliances shop in Milan. The reception was just barely acceptable, but I couldn’t expect anything better. For one thing, I couldn’t set up an antenna where I was staying. Anyway, that was my only contact with your station. I don’t think I caught more than just a few minutes of Joe’s broadcast and then it was only on three or four occasions. But I do remember that what I heard I liked very much. How nice to hear good English spoken on a foreign broadcast that wasn’t from England! Many years went by before I got organized enough to listen to foreign broadcasts more or less regularly. So we could say that I started listening to VOR pretty regularly beginning with about 1985.

There are several reasons why I listen. I like to hear other points of view, and the Russian point of view has always interested me. I like to hear how your various announcers cope with the English language. I taught English here in Italy for a few years and became very well acquainted with all the problems that foreigners can have with the language. However, in your case, I was surprised to hear how well all of you have overcome any such problems.

I only get a chance to listen to a few programs nowadays, but the two I enjoy the most are Moscow Mailbag and Science and Engineering. As regards broadcasters, Joe tops the list, but I also enjoy listening to such broadcasters as Boris Belitzky, Estelle Winters, Svetlana Yekimenko and Carl Watts, who gets a special ‘star’ of approval. I enjoy listening to Russian music (the classical masters, of course). I’m not a jazz fan (I’m strictly a concert music bug!) and don’t listen to this program. Nonetheless, I wouldn’t feel comfortable in expressing a negative opinion on broadcasting this type of music, particularly since I’m perfectly capable of realizing that Russian jazz musicians are, indeed, very good!

Michael Zaccone, Monza, Italy

I began listening back in the early 80’s when I was a child and began to enjoy shortwave broadcasts. At that time it was really unusual for a western boy to listen to propaganda from the USSR. As for shortwave listening in general, there’s something magic in it. I enjoy programs and folklore and also the news, because it’s important to listen to different voices. One of the most fascinating things coming my way from the Voice of Russia is your beautiful National Anthem.

Andrea Zuccolo, Udine, Italy

I first heard World Service broadcasts actively searching for them in September 2002, when I purchased my first shortwave radio. However, as a child I had constructed a small radio set and can remember receiving the Radio Moscow bells frequency holding tune. I can also distinctly remember a news broadcast about the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland as it reflected an alternative viewpoint from that of the BBC at the time. At the moment I’m listening to as many different news items and cultural programs as possible from many international stations, Voice of Russia included. I listen to shotwave transmissions with two intentions. Firstly, to appreciate alternative perspectives on news items reported in the U.K. Secondly, I wish to gain exposure to the type of music being played in both the domestic and international broadcasts from other countries. I will try to listen to more of your programs before suggesting which types of music I would like to hear more of. You probably already cover this, but a program on Russian folk music through the ages would be an idea.

Duncan Thompson, Camberley, Surrey, U.K.

I listened from time to time in the Soviet days starting in the 1970’s. I was not a regular listener until about two years ago, when I discovered the News and Views program. News and Views at 0400 UTC is my favorite program and the only VOR feature I listen to without fail (conditions permitting). I don’t listen to many other VOR programs, although I enjoyed some of the music shows, particularly the one playing popular songs of World War II.

Bob Mendria, Vancouver Island, Canada

I wish to know of Russia ever more,

Longing each realm of knowledge to explore;

Relating to Her wonders of the past,

Achievements, which the centuries outlast;

The Glory of Her Christian heritage,

May its rebirth inspire each future age.

And so may I express – distinct and clear –

My deepest thanks on this your special year,

Best wishes, and my thanks for each request –

For everything; your programs are the best.

Geoffrey Lund, Preston, Lancashire, U.K.

It was on my 16th birthday in November 1984 that I had my first shortwave radio, and I tuned in to Radio Moscow World Service on that day for the first time. The very first program I heard was Listeners’ Request Club hosted by your former colleague Vasily Strelnikov. I now listen to the World Service to hear your news and special programs about Russia, which help me understand your country more. Plus I like to listen to your music programs, Mailbag programs and programs on special places in Russia. Tuning in to the Voice of Russia World Service is the best way to get information about Russia, and I will continue to listen to it.

Anthony Savage, Tamworth, Staffordshire, U.K.

I started listening to VOR in 1996. I watched the Moscow evening news, which was carried on C-Span (on cable TV), then this show was dropped. I was very interested in what I saw on the news and how world events were seen from another perspective. Thus I discovered shortwave radio. My favorite shows are the news on the top of the hour, Commonwealth Update, News and Views, then everything else from Moscow Mailbag to Folk Box and NewMarket – they are all interesting. I am now a lifetime listener who will come to visit Russia in the near future.

Glenn Sears, Athens, GA, USA

I built my first shortwave receiver in the 1950’s. I used to listen to Radio Moscow from time to time. There was a long break due to business commitments. I fired up the current shortwave gear again at Christmas 2002, after my wife and I visited St.Petersburg in 2002, and we were interested to discover how things had changed in Russia since the end of the Cold War. Basically, I listen because I think communication is important. Shortwave, TV, Internet, whatever. I want to do my little bit toward supporting communications. Incidentally, that is why I’ve listened to Joe Adamov over the years. He brought some humanity into the madness of the Cold War, just by being himself and talking about it. In those days, the Soviet Union was demonized here as the Axis of Evil.

Ian Ashton, Runcorn, Cheshire, U.K.

I’ve been listening to the English-language service of Radio Moscow since 1968, because I was interested in the Soviet Union, and now I’m interested in news from Russia. My favorite programs are News and Views and the Christian Message from Moscow. I’m also interested in your programs about Stalingrad. I like Russian folk music and would like to hear more of it.

Gunter Kastner, Salzburg, Austria

I began listening in January 2003, after receiving a Grundig P-2000 as a present. I listened to shortwave broadcasts as a teenager in the 1970’s. I listen to hear news of the world from varying perspectives, to promote and encourage better understanding and friendship between people in different parts of the world, and because I’m fascinated by long-range radio communication.

Jeffrey Bloom, Alexandria, Virginia, USA

I started listening to Moscow in 1968. That was also the year when I began listening to shortwave regularly. The reason for listening to the former Radio Moscow and today’s Voice of Russia is that I want to know what’s happening in Russia, how people in Russia feel about things, what they’re interested in, and also to know the official point of view of the leaders of Russia. I enjoy listening to Mailbag programs, programs featuring Russian music – both modern and traditional, and, of course, the news. I would like to know more about Russian media, not only radio. A regular program about mass media would be interesting.

Sven Ohlsson, Astorp, Sweden

I’ve been listening to Voice of Russia, formerly Radio Moscow, for 41 years. It depends on what is happening in the world as to what programs I listen to. Right now, I’m very interested in news programs because of the Iraq crisis. I used to love to listen to Joe Adamov and made a point not to miss any of his programs. When I have the time, I like to listen to things that involve the Russian people, so I tune in to “Russia: People and Events”. “Kaleidoscope” is also a favorite for the same reason.

Gordon Blom, Rochester, New York State

I started listening approximately at the end of the 1980’s. At that time the Soviet Union was negatively viewed by Western Europe, and I wanted to know the Soviet point of view. You always have to hear two voices on a subject.

Guy Buytaert, Retranchement, The Netherlands

I used to listen to Radio Moscow quite a bit when I was young (I’m nearly 50 now). I did not subscribe to the Communist ideology, but enjoyed programming such as Joe Adamov’s Moscow Mailbag. I stopped shortwave listening around the Glasnost period – and not just to Radio Moscow - as I was busy with work, kids and the like.

I’ve only been listening to the Voice of Russia for about a year now. And it’s ironic the main reason I listen now is for the news and views we don’t get in our media anymore. The VOR programs I’m most interested in are news related, the Russian perspective on world events, and Russia’s views on the new Europe. Secondly, I’m interested in New Market and Science and Engineering programs. I’m least interested in the cultural programs, but only because I’m somewhat familiar with Russian culture and history. Both my grandfather (who lived in Czarist-controlled Poland) and late father spoke Russian as a third language.

Tom Mysiewicz, Grants Pass, OR, USA

I began listening to shortwave as a 12-year-old boy in 1964 and stopped listening until 1986. I’ve been listening ever since this time. I enjoy hearing about Russia, its people, music and culture. I like Joe Adamov’s Moscow Mailbag, Russian Treasures, and other programs featuring music from your country. I’ll try to listen to Bless the Lord, O My Soul – it sounds interesting. I have not been fortunate enough to hear many of Estelle Winters’ programs, but enjoyed meeting her here at our Winter SWL Convention a few years ago.

Kris Field, Horsham, PA, USA

I returned to shortwave listening and your broadcasts this year after some 35 years of absence from the hobby. I enjoy the excitement of searching the broadcast frequencies and finding broadcasts from unexpected places. Clearly, I expected to find the Voice of Russia quite easily, if by chance – and I did so. When I listen to shortwave, I quite often find that I learn about countries other than my own and get a different perspective on news, current affairs, and culture. I enjoy the diversity.

Mike Eccles, Nunthorpe, Middlesborough, U.K.

I have been listening to Moscow’s shortwave broadcast outlet since January of 1949 and to the World Service of both Radio Moscow and the Voice of Russia for all 25 years of its existence. I listen because Russia is one of only two countries on the planet, which is in two different continents (Europe and Asia). The sheer size of Russia gives it an importance in both world and regional affairs. It was also important for me to listen prior to the events of late 1991, because the depiction of the Soviet government in my own country was so harsh. I could not accept that any people on this planet, below the governmental level, could be that harsh. Especially when I consider that units of my own nation’s army and that of the Red Army had met in comradeship at the Elbe River during World War Two. I needed to know why the well of friendship had been poisoned since that time, and your broadcast outlet helped me to understand. My favorite program, for many years, has been Joe Adamov’s Moscow Mailbag. I also like the Science and Technology reports and the Kaleidoscope series. A new feature, which I would like to hear, is one I have entitled “Voices of the Federation”. A series of interviews with ordinary Russians and what they think of issues, which affect us both. Not politics. Things like child health, education, individual economic growth, crime, etc. Even popular culture.

John Kraft, Paradise Township, NV, USA

I first heard Radio Moscow broadcasts around 1985, when I accidentally came across your station whilst idly tuning a radio. However, I began listening in earnest in mid-1997 after buying two Russian-made Vega shortwave radios. I listen to the Voice of Russia because for many years I have had a great interest in, first, the Soviet Union and, subsequently, the CIS and Russia in particular. Growing up in 1970’s, with the cold war very much in effect, British people were encouraged to see Russians as humorless, dour people, and we were forever told that they were led by people hell-bent on world domination and that we should fear them. As I grew older, I became intrigued by these mysterious people in a frozen land. I read my father’s books concerning World War II and discovered how the Soviet Union had defeated Nazi Germany and helped save the world from such evil. I saw TV programs showing huge Russian tanks in endless fields, and then saw mothers crying, stroking the hair of their dead sons fallen in battle. It occurred to me that these were not people to be feared, but to be respected. I wanted to learn more about this beautiful country and its people. Listening to the Voice of Russia enables me to learn about Russia’s past and present. I only regret I did not know about shortwave earlier.

John Pedwell, Birmingham, U.K.

I started to listen to international radio in November 2001, when I first heard Georgy Sviridov’s music on your broadcasts and then made up my mind to write to you. I continue to listen to your programs, because they give a good representation of your people, history, music, and, undoubtedly, culture. My only regret is that I had not discovered your station years earlier. I’m afraid that I do not have a favorite program or presenter, there’s not a program that I have not yet enjoyed, and I hope for more years of continued listening. I do, however, miss Boris Novikov’s voice, as I know you all there do too. I’ve noticed that occasionally he is featured from the archive, which is wonderful. I would be very interested to hear more domestic items of today’s Russia.

Chris Scott, Hebden Bridge, W.Yorkshire, U.K.

I saw on your web site that you are conducting a poll. I’m a new shortwave radio listener, and since I have found many of your programs to be very interesting, I thought I would respond to your poll questions. I began listening to VOR the last week of February 2003. I began listening to your news broadcasts to get a different perspective on world events than I can get here in the United States. I then began listening to your music programs, and I have found them to be tremendously enjoyable. I can hear music performed and written by people I have not heard anywhere else. I regularly listen to the news broadcasts, the Jazz Show, Folk Box and Songs From Russia.

Terry Cummings, Gresham, OR, USA

This past week is the first time I began listening to VOR with new shortwave radio equipment. I have not listened in for many years. I first listened to Radio Moscow in 1975 for about two years and now again every morning at the same time. The reason I listen is because I receive a “fresh” eye-opening look at the way Russia sees the United States and other countries around the world. I also like to understand the customs and culture of your country. I would like to know more about the regional customs and cultures coupled with personal interviews of the people. Human interest stories of the people and how they cope with every day life. Perhaps, some recipes of Russian food and regional favorites for the listening audience to try.

Mr. Carmen Miranda, Sunrise, FL, USA

I began listening to shortwave and the Voice of Russia at the age of 14 year old. That was in 1958. For several years I had other various interests like raising a family and making a living. Recently I rekindled my interest in shortwave listening and found the Voice of Russia once again. I listen to World Service broadcasts to get a wider view of world events and opinions. Also to learn more about Russian people and culture. I’ve always been interested in Russia and its people. I have often thought about how nice it would be to visit the cities of St.Petersburg and Moscow. Some of the programs I enjoy listening to are “News and Views”, “Moscow Mailbag”, “Songs From Russia”, “This is Russia”, “Russian Treasures”, and Russian classical music. I would like to hear more from the people on the streets and get their opinions on current world events. Also I would like to hear some current popular music. I feel mixing the news with music, both classical and popular, plus discussions with the people of Russia would make for a very interesting and enjoyable program format. I plan to continue listening as often as time permits.

Jack Ernissee, High Springs, Florida, USA

It was back in 1996 that I first found your station on 1386 kHz. At first I had no clue as to what station or program it was but kept listening, as it was different to the ordinary stations broadcasting on the medium wave. I soon learned that I was listening to “Science and Engineering” on the Voice of Russia. Russia has one of the most influential cultures, arts and history in the world, and I have a strong interest in learning the Russian language in my spare time. I also wish gain further knowledge of how Russians think and live compared to England and other nations.

Alastair Pamphilon, Chislehurst, Kent, U.K.

The ‘journey’ began 20 years ago when Radio Moscow sparkled my interest in the precious world of news and views from a land so far away called Russia. I listen to learn more about Russia, a Russia is a special part of the world to be explored, to know more about your spirit.

Dennis Roberts, Columbus, Georgia, USA

I began listening in 1984. I enjoy the different perspective. I also enjoy the music. It is interesting to hear how life is for our former adversaries who are now our friends. Much of the programming is centered around Moscow and St.Petersburg. I realize these are big cities, but I would like to hear more about the rest of Russia and the CIS.

Gary Mayfield, Watertown, South Dakota, USA

I began to listen regularly during the middle of the Gorbachev administration, in 1988. Before that I would tune in to Radio Moscow irregularly because of the predictable and biased reporting and boring programs. I listen to hear the Russian point of view on current events in the world, but also to hear of news in Russia, because we hear so little of the latter in the USA. I also find Russian observations of the USA very enlightening, because I’m curious about how others see the USA, especially its society and foreign policy. Although you give us glimpses of everyday life in Russia, I wish you could do more. I know some Russians who have come to the USA to work and study, and they are very interesting, friendly folks.

Martin Gallas, Jacksonville, Illinois, USA

I have listened to the Voice of Russia and Radio Moscow since 1961, when I was twelve years of age, and my parents bought me my first shortwave radio. Now, of course, I listen via the Internet on an almost daily basis – especially for the news.

I have wept and laughed with you over the years and appreciate the chance to share in some small and remote way the tremendous changes that have taken place in your country. Now, at age fifty-four, I’m realizing a life-long dream of taking Russian language instruction, and I hope to make my first trip to Russia next year.

I enjoy many of your programs, especially Moscow Mailbag, XX Century: Footprints in History, This is Russia, and the Christian Message from Moscow.

My favorite presenter/programmer is Joe Adamov.

Michael Pickel, Falmouth, Maine, USA

I began listening to World Service broadcasts over ten years ago, mainly to hear a different view of world news from what is broadcast by the highly partial US broadcasters. The wide variety of entertaining and informative programming quickly made me a regular listener. The main reason for listening was to hear another viewpoint of the news. I feel that by listening to the news from several of the world’s major broadcasters I can more accurately understand the events of the times.

R.Gero, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

I would like to congratulate you on your 25th anniversary. You have given us so many years of wonderful programming and taught us so much!

The first time I heard Radio Moscow was when in the mid 1950’s on my father’s ham radios. I used to be fascinated by listening to radio stations from around the world, especially from Russia, and to talk to other hams all over the world with him. He even received a QSL card from a ham in Moscow he talked to in 1964!

It had a picture of the Kremlin on it.

My favorite broadcaster is Eugene Nikitenko, who made it possible to finally achieve my dream of visiting Russia. Eugene’s program NewMarket is also my favorite, because it taught me so much about business and the economy in Russia. As far as other programs and broadcasters go, of course, one of my favorites is Joe Adamov and Moscow Mailbag, and I will always have fond memories of all the time I spent with Joe. He is probably one of the most interesting people in the world, and I loved hearing about all of his experiences.

I was lucky enough to meet so many of VOR’s staff when I was in Moscow, and I have fond memories of all I’ve met. I miss some of the old voices, but it’s nice to hear them again when you rerun older editions of programs like Audio Book Club.

Now I’m hearing some new voices, and since I listen to them every day, they seem like friends too, so it’s hard to single out anyone else.

Mrs. Katherine Lawson, Stonington, Maine, USA

I started listening to the Voice of Russia World Service about five years ago, in 1998. I listen because I’m interested in Russian culture, music, literature, language, and history. The news programs offer a unique perspective that we do not see in the American press. Russia has an amazing history and a rich culture. From ancient times through every natural and political cataclysm the Russian people have emerged triumphant. Your opinions are welcome.

Dr.Jack Sperry, Tavares, Florida, USA

I live in the United States, and I have been listening for 5 years now. I listen because it’s very difficult to find news from the rest of the world. Ever since finding WRN and the Voice of Russia I feel that I’m up-to-date and that I can get another perspective on news and current events that affect all of us on our planet.

I appreciate what you do and I am grateful that I found you! Keep up the good work and congratulations on the 25 years of the World Service!

Christopher Hayes, West Hartford, Connecticut, USA

I started listening to Radio Moscow World Service in 1984 (is it really that long ago?), when I was 11 years old. I remember enjoying finding out about your country, which was painted by the many in the West at the time as an “evil empire”. It was refreshing to find out that people in the former USSR were just normal folks, with the same interests, hopes and concerns as the rest of us. It was also interesting to hear the news from Moscow, giving a very different point of view from the mainstream media in the West.

One of my memories from my early days of listening to Radio Moscow World Service is of a program called “Warmongers’ Monthly”, which was very much in the cold war mould. Although, given the behavior of the current US administration, I think that there would be plenty of material for such a program if it was revived!

I also have fond memories of your coverage of the 12th World Youth Festival in Moscow in 1985, and remember how encouraging it was to hear of such an event, trying to build bridges of friendship in what was a very divided world. On a personal note, I attended the 14th World Youth Festival in Havana, Cuba, in 1997.

Times have changed, the world has changed since 1985 (not all for the better!), and your station has changed, but one thing remains constant - the vital role that the Voice of Russia plays in both informing the world about your country and building a “bridge of friendship through the airwaves”.

Ian Morrison, Beijing, China

I began listening in May 2003. I listen because I recently lived in Russia for six months and fell in love with her, her people, and her culture. The Voice of Russia is an essential ambassador for Russia. I most enjoy the news bulletins, music, information about science and technology, and reports about the natural world. The news bulletins give interesting news about Russia. It’s also important to hear a Russian perspective on world affairs. I heard much Russian music when I lived in Russia, and it stirs a deep chord within me. I would like to hear more Russian folklore stories. I understand that Russian mentality is much influenced by the philosophies, which these stories contain. I think many people would enjoy them.

Charles Goddard, U.K.

I first listened to the Voice of Russia on 5th July 2000. However, the Voice of Russia and previously Radio Moscow have a great history in my family, as four generations have been tuning in since October 1929.

Initially, I began to listen as I’m a keen shortwave listener, and I was aware of the amazing stories of Radio Moscow’s involvement in some of the major historical events of the 20th century, for example the Cuban missile crisis. Soon after that, I realized that I was entertained regularly by both the quality of programming and the depth of Russian culture. Fuelled by my family’s stories of their experiences in the Soviet Union, I soon developed a fascination with the Eastern bloc, and so I began to tune in on a daily basis. I now listen to the news with heightened interest, as it is one of the few ways in which I can keep up to date with current affairs and developments inside your country without hearing them from a western perspective.

I find enjoyment in almost all of Voice of Russia’s programs. In October, I shall be starting a 4-year-degree course in Electronic Engineering, so science and Engineering is of particular interest to me. Joe Adamov deserves a special mention for Moscow Mailbag – it is amazing that a man can still be so dedicated and so “in touch with the times” after over half a century of service to the Voice of Russia and Radio Moscow. I was born into a musical family and am a keen musician in my own right, therefore it is fascinating to hear the diverse musical offerings of the former Soviet Union in programs, such as “Jazz Show” and “Music at Your Request”, especially as not many stations would dare to broadcast music on shortwave radio!

Special programs, which have been introduced to mark the 300th birthday of St.Petersburg are indispensable, as this August I shall be visiting St.Petersburg for the first time, and now I can really say that I have more knowledge at my fingertips than is available in the average guide book. The vast array of programs about the Russian Orthodox Church fascinate me, and I’m keen to learn about other branches of the Christian faith. Finally, “Russian by Radio” is amongst the most useful and entertaining programs I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Jonathan Hunt, London, U.K.

I started listening to Radio Moscow about 1980, when my youngest son gave me his shortwave receiver to use, when he went to Honduras with the American Field Service, a forerunner of Peace Corps. Shortwave radio is one of my hobbies. I like the news, regional customs, and Russian music. My favorite is Joe. I would enjoy hearing a program about Russian settlements in California, where I was canoeing with my daughter and her friends several years ago. If you can do this, would you please let me know, because I wouldn’t want to miss it.

Mrs. Portia Herold, a 72-year-old American, living in Switzerland

First of all, let me congratulate you all at the World Service in English of the Voice of Russia on the achievement of your 25th anniversary this coming October. It’s truly amazing that your station has made it this far when you consider the events of the past twenty-five years both in your country and the world as a whole. I started listening to the World Service in English from literally the first day in October 1978, and before that I was listening to the English Service of Radio Moscow also on shortwave since December 1976, when I bought my first communications shortwave receiver. I’ve been listening to your station to get a balanced view of political and world affairs from the Soviet point of view. I wanted to know what was actually going on in the world, and not just from a Western point of view. There’re a number of programs among my favorites, and these have got to include Moscow Mailbag, where a listener has the opportunity to ask you questions and always gets a good and honest answer. I also enjoy This is Russia to gain a clear and concise view of Russia today, which is hard to find elsewhere. The veteran broadcaster and write Joe is brilliant, and I also like to hear the voice of Estelle Winters. I would like to see the introduction of a sports program with all the Russian Federation soccer team results mentioned and news about other sports played in Russia.

Nick Sharpe, Staines, Middlesex, U.K.

I first heard Radio Centre Moscow on May 7th, 1938. The QSL card I received from you then featured the Palace of Labour. During World War Two I was a prisoner of war in Germany and was liberated by the Russian Army. I’m 84 years old now and have enjoyed DXing most of my life. I continue to listen to your programs, as they keep me up-to-date with world news.

Douglas Giddens, Auckland, New Zealand

I started listening to the Voice of Russia in 1981. I like to listen to the Voice of Russia for its coverage of Russian news, Russian people and Russian culture. Russia is one of the highly developed nations in the field of science and technology, and it plays a significant role in international politics. Of course, the Voice of Russia is one of the friendliest stations in the world. My favorite programs include news, Russia: People and Events, Audio Book Club, and Moscow Mailbag. Now you’re giving us a variety of programs, but let me suggest that you introduce a separate program for Dxers. You may also dedicate more time to sports and tourism. I wish you a happy and joyous 25th anniversary.

Mr. K.Thiagarajan, Coimbatore, India