Your Letters

Congratulations on the forthcoming anniversary of Russian foreign-language broadcasts! It has been a long time since I wrote to Moscow, but I have continued to listen and enjoy hearing about Russian culture, history and your contemporary transition to a democratic, mixed market economy and society.

Whatever form the Voice of Russia takes in the future, you are needed! I like your general coverage of domestic and foreign affairs of Russia and the CIS countries.
I also like your music programs and the feature on religion in Russia.
Best wishes on your anniversary.

Michael Gerrard, U.K.

Despite shrinking government budgets and new technologies, I sincerely hope that Voice of Russia remains a presence on the airwaves via shortwave for many years to come. Your country and station are a constant source of interest and entertainment for me. I have met several Russian people over the years and made great friends with them. I have also enjoyed many 19th century Russian authors, thanks largely to my discovery of Russia through Radio Moscow/Voice of Russia. Someday soon, I want very much to travel within your country and visit your studios.

Stokes Schwartz, USA

Please accept my heartiest congratulations and best wishes on the upcoming 75th anniversary of your beginning external radio broadcasts from Moscow. I first began listening to Radio Moscow in January of 1949. So, I’ve been a listener for 55 of those 75 years. It began with my father buying a Grundig V-60 for my tenth birthday. I bless his memory for introducing me to shortwave radio.

John Kraft, USA

When I was 7 years old (which would be 1977), my uncle found a valve shortwave radio at a rubbish tip. He brought it home and managed to get it working, and then he phoned me and told me to come over to his house. He showed me how it worked and then brought it round to my house with a roll of copper cable. We made a 30-foot wire antenna across the back garden and an earth wire that ended in a copper pipe sunk into the earth. One of the first stations I heard and subsequently fell in love with was Radio Moscow. No matter what time of the day or night, I was always able to find an English-language Radio Moscow broadcast. I still play a recording of the old Radio Moscow interval signal on my computer, and I am immediately swathed in nostalgia for the part of childhood that was the very best.

I remember listening to discussions involving Vladimir Posner (whose accent I thought was tremendous) and Moscow Mailbag with Joe Adamov. I am 34 years old now, and just a few weeks ago saw a picture of Mr.Adamov for the first time – I have to say he looks EXACTLY as I imagined him. His voice perfectly matches his appearance! He is an excellent presenter; a listener comes to view Mr.Adamov as a friend – the nice cheerful man who will answer your questions about Russia (or the USSR as it was then) and then tell you a few jokes before he goes.

Brad Jackson, U.K.

In the summer of 1981 at the age of 15, I was tuning around the medium wave broadcast band on a portable AM/FM cassette recorder and radio, searching for radio stations outside of my home town. I was looking for stations from other US cities that were broadcasting major league baseball games. While tuning the band, I came across some strange music that sounded foreign, Eastern European in nature. When the announcer came on and stated it was Radio Moscow, I felt out of my chair with surprise! I told a neighbor about this, and he said that he had a radio that hauled in broadcasts from other countries. He took my dad, me and my brother up to his house and showed us his old Zenith Transoceanic tube radio. We listened to the BBC, RAI in Rome, and Kol Israel in Jerusalem that night. I remember it like it was yesterday. From that day forward I was determined to get a radio like that, and I did. To this day, I still enjoy shortwave listening and the Voice of Russia’s programs on shortwave. Happy 75th anniversary, and may you have many more!

Vince Ponzio, USA

Congratulations on your anniversary of unprecedented broadcasting. Please keep up the good work! I first began to listen to the Voice of Russia while studying at a university in Germany as an exchange student. I soon afterward discovered programs I continue to enjoy via the Internet, such as Moscow Mailbag. That was back in 1996. I enjoy the programs that introduce me to the culture of your country. Russia continues to fascinate me. That is the most positive aspect of your service. I also enjoy listening to “The Christian Message from Moscow”, “News and Views”, and “This is Russia”.

Kip Winans, USA

Today on your program you asked for responses from listeners. I have a shortwave communications radio set and listen to your station every day from 0500 to 0800 GMT. Congratulations on your 75 years of broadcasting! I enjoy all your shows but, in particular, your news shows. I like to hear what’s going on in other parts of the world. Keep up the good work.

Robert Akehurst, Australia

My last QSL card from you was dated August 23, 1998, but my first would have been early in the sixties. In those days I was a regular correspondent with Radio Moscow. I can recall listening to a program in which you called our airborne soldiers (the Red Berets) butchers (remember ‘bloody Sunday’ in Ireland?), and I wrote back a letter pointing out a lot of the bad deeds that Russia was guilty of and daring her to read the letter out over the air. To my surprise, you did! The years have taken their toll, and I’m now seventy-seven, coming to seventy-eight, years old. I write to you now because I think that out of all the nations on this earth the Russians are probably the nearest and closer to our nation than any other. I like your programs especially the ones about your culture and history.

John Noble, U.K.

I began listening to the Voice of Russia when I found it during my search on personal computer. That was about 5 years ago. I’m an Australian living in America, but my grandparents came from Russia to Australia during the turn of the 20th century. So I’m very interested in my heritage. I read the Moscow newspapers, all in English, of course, and I’m very interested in the business news, hoping that the country will soon be wealthy and give its citizens everything they need. I like everything about your broadcasts and hope you will continue to bring more news of current events and analysis.

Vera Hall, USA

I’m a regular listener to the Voice of Russia World Service by the Internet and on shortwave radio. I wish to congratulate your station on your 75th year of broadcasting all that is new and interesting about Russia to the rest of the world. I recall the very first program I listened to was when you were still Radio Moscow, and it was called New Market. I was about 16 years old. I’m nearly 32 now.

Charles Faulkner, U.K.

Congratulations on your 75th anniversary. I’m surprised to hear that you have been broadcasting for almost 75 years. Yet, we, Africans, don’t know much about you. In fact, I first listened to the Voice of Russia on April 25, 2003. I wrote to you in March of 2004 asking you to send me your program guide. What I find positive about the Voice of Russia is the fact that I came to learn and understand more about Russian government, culture, economy and people in general. The negative aspect is that we only receive your signals once a day – from 1700 to 1800 GMT. The feature I like most is “This is Russia”, for I’m mainly interested in knowing more about Russia.

Otache Danladi, Nigeria

You asked what listeners thought of the Voice of Russia, and I thought I would let you know that I really have no criticism, except that I would like to hear more traditional Russian music. I definitely do not like American pop music, once defined as ‘bad grammar set to worse music’, and think it would have no place on the Voice of Russia. Your programs are very interesting and I have been listening to them for many years, as I bought a good shortwave radio about 30 years ago. I cannot really think of anything that would be an immediate improvement.

Philip Parry, New Zealand

I began listening to Radio Moscow in 1964. I was 16 years old at the time and was beginning to listen to shortwave radio. I still have QSL cards from that first year of listening. I’m now 56 years old and still enjoy shortwave radio. I remember Moscow Mailbag back in 1964 and commentaries on world affairs. The Soviet point of view was intelligently presented, and I appreciated the viewpoints of your commentators. I remember one special prize sent to me in 1983. It was the “Illustrated History of the USSR”. I still have that book and look at it from time to time. I tune in to the Voice of Russia frequently now. Your programming is entertaining and informative. I’m learning a great deal about life in Russia today from your broadcasts.

Larry Martowski, USA

I have been a Radio Moscow/Voice of Russia listener since 1982 as a teenager. If I remember correctly, this is the first time I’m writing to your station. In the 1980’s, I found your station very interesting, although I rarely heard anything more than what I considered political propaganda. Nowadays, it is my opinion that the Voice of Russia is one of the most informative stations on shortwave, and the variety of programming is top notch. Your website is also one of the best. My favorite program is the Mailbag program with Joe Adamov. I cannot believe he has been on the air as long as he has. I thank you very much for providing the interesting, informative, and entertaining programming you have provided. I look forward to more of it in the future.

Joe Dalio, USA

I began listening to shortwave and Radio Moscow in about 1955 as a youngster. It opened a whole world. I have listened off and on since then. During the cold war, Radio Moscow was an eye and ear into the USSR that was almost the only daily source of information available around the world. I first wrote to Radio Moscow about ten or twelve years ago. In return I received some interesting literature I found to be helpful, including the current broadcast schedule. I have found Radio Moscow’s broadcasts to be interesting and of value in understanding events in Russia and the reasons why the government takes the positions it takes. I especially enjoy Joe Adamov. He has the ability to put his own unique face on any subject. His pieces are always interesting and his sense of humor is well known and enjoyed.

Bill Morgan, USA

I think your station offers a more balanced view of international news than other major broadcasters. I found your news and comment particularly valuable during the Yugoslav war of 1999 and the recent US invasion of Iraq. Voice of Russia speaks up for peace and equality in international relations. Negative? My one little personal complaint is that you don’t use the old Radio Moscow interval signal that used to come on before the Kremlin chimes and the news – I loved that music.

Ian Morrison, U.K.

Congratulations on the 75th anniversary of Radio Moscow and the Voice of Russia and very best wishes for every success in the future. For the last 25 years I’ve been with you. It’s hard to name favorite programs, because I love them all. If my personal interest directs me especially to some – then my difficult choice is influenced by this factor. All the music programs interest me in particular – they present every genre of music. My love for Russian Church music and Russian 18th music does not prevent me from enjoying Russian jazz and folk, as well as pop and rock music. Over the years you sent me many LPs, which I still play and with great pleasure. Politically, I agree with you almost one hundred percent. Why not? Of course, the Voice of Russia presents the official Russian view. Why shouldn’t it? Doesn’t the BBC present the official British view? As for my suggestions, please keep traditional, even in your future digital programs. Tradition always inspires respect and reflection – qualities fast disappearing in our modern age. Keep your Russian flavor. Don’t become Western, however modern you are.

Geoffrey Lund, U.K.

I first listened to your service in 1968 with a very simple radio set covering medium waves only. I wrote simultaneously in 1968 to try to get in touch with Radio Moscow and to understand Russia – from politics to sports. I enjoy very much “The Christian Message from Moscow” and “Music and Musicians”, as well as “Moscow Mailbag”. Please keep broadcasting on shortwave to give us a chance to discover more of Russian culture. Radio abolishes borders, and you don’t need a visa to listen to the Voice of Russia.

Jacques Augustin, France

I received my first shortwave radio as a gift in August of 1982, so I must have heard Radio Moscow, as your service was called back then, somewhere in the fall of 1982. I remember I was very surprised to hear Russia! My oldest QSL card from Radio Moscow dates back to 24 May 1983, so this is probably the first time I wrote to you. I was mostly writing in for QSL cards back then. I wrote to Radio Moscow many times, sending in some questions to hear the answers over the air. I’m a regular listener now, being tuned to Voice of Russia at least 2-4 times a week. I just want to wish the Voice of Russia a happy 75th birthday. Let’s hope you will have at least 75 more!

Gilles Letourneau, Canada

I first wrote to you on October 17, 1991. I did not know much about shortwave radio when I bought my first radio. “Passport to World Band Radio” taught me about corresponding and receiving QSL cards. Your programs offer variety and entertainment. Moscow Mailbag with Joe Adamov is my favorite. Carl Watts is excellent also. I love the rich baritones of Russian singers. I also like “This is Russia” and “Moscow Yesterday and Today”. I always looked forward to receiving your beautiful QSL card. I treasure them and keep them in an album.
Congratulations on Voice of Russia’s 75th anniversary!

Will Warneke, USA

I have been listening to Moscow, off and on, since 1958. I was a young teenager then and listened using a one-tube shortwave converter that I had built according to an article in an electronics magazine. I was able to hear strong overseas stations, such as the BBC, Deutsche Welle and Radio Moscow, quite well. I found Radio Moscow especially interesting, perhaps, because of the added titillation of listening to “enemy” broadcasts, since those days were during the height of the Cold War. I first wrote to Radio Moscow on 26 December 1965. I had built a new and better shortwave radio by then and wrote to you with a reception report in order to obtain your QSL card. I still have that card, which occupies a place of honor in my QSL card album. I think that the most positive things in your broadcasts are the musical segments. I love Russian classical and folk music and even like to hear Russian bands play jazz and swing music. On the other hand, I feel that the Voice of Russia often spends too much time on news commentary, and reports from the Commonwealth, and find those segments to be boring and the most negative parts of your programs. I like listening to Carl Watts, because his voice reminds me of the older days, when listening to Radio Moscow was an adventure. Overall, I like the Voice of Russia a lot, and I probably listen to it more than to any other shortwave station.

David Shapiro, USA

Here on the United States East Coast, I first listened to Radio Moscow when I was 18 years old as a college student when I would be up late at night studying. At that time, I had a shortwave band on my AM/FM radio, but didn’t have an actual shortwave hobby. However, it wasn’t until within the first 6 months after the September 11 tragedy years later that I rediscovered international shortwave radio and found the Voice of Russia signal. I remember hearing my first sign-on and how pleased and happy I was very moved by the concern and empathy of Russia in response to the sorrow this country was going through at the time. So, after having been raised during the former cold war years, and being new to international shortwave radio, one day I gathered the ‘courage’ to write to Voice of Russia to send in a reception report and a friendly letter. And immediately I very happily received a friendly answer. And, in that very moment, I felt a bridge of tremendous healing in my soul, from all those years when our two worlds were kept apart by the cold war. Thank you for all your programs and Happy 75th anniversary to all!”

Ms. Patty Edwards, USA

I began listening on my father's ham radios back in the 1950's. It was so fascinating to me to hear voices from all over the world, and Radio Moscow was the most interesting one of all. I used to take out the globe, and plan trips to all the places we listened to, especially Russia, and imagine what it was like there. I began doing that when I was only 5 years old. I think I first wrote to you in 1991. Before that, I had been busy raising my son, working, volunteering at nursing homes and had only had time to listen sporadically. Your programs are teaching us about all aspects of Russia. Also, I like the fact that you make your listeners a part of your station by including us in your programming. Partly by reading listeners’ letters and answering their questions, and partly by including listeners' requests in so many of your broadcasts. I can't think of anything negative, except for the fact that reception isn't what it used to be. I never like listing my favorites, because after I send the email, I always wish I had mentioned a few more that I had forgotten. I think I always forget to mention "Russian by Radio". I miss having "This is Russia" as a one hour show. That and "Kaleidoscope" are always interesting. Of course my favorite show is still "NewMarket". As for musical shows, I prefer classical and folk music to some of the more modern ones. I do like some of the music in the style of Kukuruza sung by Maria or Marina Kupuro or something like that. I was lucky enough to see her on TV when I was in Moscow. And, of course, I like the song "Moscow Nights", and miss hearing it when the Voice of Russia comes on the air. I am not a big Jazz fan, (sorry Carl), but I know that "Jazz Show" is very popular and has an important place in your programming. I do like listening to Carl Watts though. I didn't mention all of my favorite programs, because then I would have mentioned them all! The Voice of Russia is a very big part of my life.

Mrs. Katherine Lawson, USA

I was born in 1960, and my father was an Air Traffic Controller who enjoyed radio and liked to listen to shortwave radio broadcasts. I remember as a boy of 5 or 6 years listening to Radio Moscow while he worked in his woodshop. My first letter to Voice of Russia was sent by E-mail on February 27, 2004. I’m presently recovering from an extended illness and have been confined to my home. This gave me an opportunity to spend time with my favorite hobby – worldband shortave listening. After months of listening to broadcasts from all over the world, I chose the Voice of Russia as my favorite because of its unique broadcasting style. I enjoy all of the Voice of Russia’s programs, its entertaining music of many styles and the warmth of presentation towards the listening audience”.

Craig Chantilas, USA

I began listening to Radio Moscow in 1972, when I was 13 years old and living in Indianapolis, Indiana. My parents had a multi-band radio, and one day I became curious about the shortwave band and started to listen to it. Radio Moscow was one of the first stations I heard, and was available on several frequencies with very good reception every evening. I don't remember exactly when I wrote to Radio Moscow for the first time, but it was probably in the early to mid-1970's, in order to request a schedule and a QSL card. I was very happy to receive a schedule, QSL and other materials about Radio Moscow and the Soviet Union. I have written to the station many times over the years since then. The positive thing about the Voice of Russia's programming is the wide variety of programs it offers - news and commentary, science and culture, history, tourism, language lessons, traditional and modern music, religion, etc. Your programming gives the listener a broad perspective on what is a very large and diverse country. There is really something for everyone. The only “negative” thing, if you wish to call it that, is the fact that the programming often reflects the official Russian government's views on the news and certain political issues, which I sometimes do not agree with. But this of course is one of the main purposes of the station, so I do not think this is inappropriate. In fact, one of the reasons I listen to the Voice of Russia is to hear another perspective on world events. Besides the news, I am a big fan of Moscow Mailbag with Joe Adamov. This program has been on the air ever since I started listening to the station, and some of my own questions about Russia have been answered on the show. Joe is a very charismatic broadcaster. I also like the friendly, informal style of Estelle Winters' “Timelines” program. I very much enjoy the weekly program about the Russian Orthodox Church, and I like all of the programs, which feature Russian music, especially folkloric and classical. Finally, since I am bilingual, I like to listen frequently to the Voice of Russia’s Spanish-language programming. One of my favorite programs on the Spanish service is the DX program "Frecuencia RM" hosted by Pancho Rodriguez.

Jeff White, USA

Happy 75th anniversary to the Voice of Russia! It was not so long ago back in 1996 when I was channel surfing on my radio hoping to find something different to all of those commercial stations. Slowly but surely I pressed the tuning button up the scale of medium wave until finally becoming fixed upon 1386 kHz being the Voice of Russia with the series of Science and Engineering. I did not write to the Voice of Russia until I bought my first Short wave radio back in 1998 when I became a lot more familiar with other programs. I recall asking a general question for my favorite program, Science and Engineering, plus I remember writing to Moscow Mailbag, which I also enjoy a lot. Here is a personal favorite program list: Russia: People and Events, Moscow Yesterday and Today, Musical Tales, The River of Time, Newmarket,
Audio Book Club, This is Russia, Commonwealth Update, Moscow Mailbag, Science Plus, Music and Musicians, Russian by Radio, Christian Message from Moscow, Kaleidoscope, Songs from Russia, You write to Moscow, Sunday Panorama, News and Views.

Alastair Pamphilon , U.K.

Hello from Canada! I believe I first began listening to Radio Moscow in 1974.
I know I had made correspondence with Soviet amateur astronomers in 1970 and after that bought a shortwave radio and was going over the dial when I heard “Moscow Nights” and then heard Radio Moscow. I sent letters to some of Radio Moscow Quizes and received booklets for “Russian by Radio”. I also sent question to “Moscow Mailbag”, and I think poor Joe Adamov was tired with all my questions. I’m not a religious believer so I don’t listen to the religious programs you have. I like the news and the opinions on world affairs. It is still good to hear Russia’s views on international events.
Your faithful listener,

Michael Boschat, Canada

When did I first listen to Russian broadcasts? That would have been before the start of the Second World War in our cellar, where my father and his friends used to meet to listen to broadcasts from Russia. The longwire antenna under the roof was almost perfectly directional towards Moscow. I first wrote to Radio Moscow some time in 1980 for a QSL card. I received my QSL card together with a small blue covered booklet with a circular red emblem in the center of which was written “Radio Moskva” and “USSR”. I still have that booklet. As far as E-mail is concerned, I wrote to you approximately four years ago.

Janko Martin Bystricka, Australia

Congratulations on the Voice of Russia turning 75 shortly! Not sure exactly when I first listened, but my first reception report to Moscow is dated April 16, 1982. Your QSL was the 11th I had ever received (now over 2500 worldwide!), and I now have 135 from the Voice of Russia. Positive comment on your programs would be the move away from the communist “propaganda” broadcasts, which was just about all we heard from Moscow years ago. Negative would be that I don’t have more time to tune in!!! The programs I like are those that tell me about your country, culture, language, tourist attractions, famous people and the like. I’ve listened to some fabulous programs on your composers. Even though I can’t spell or pronounce their names, their history and music is beautiful to hear. You have such a large country, with such a large variety of peoples and culture, this is what interests me. I look forward to getting the radio tuned on again soon, for more good listening around the world.

Robert Park, New Zealand