Why are Kansas City’s airwaves filled with pro-Putin ‘Radio Sputnik’ propaganda?

R&I ~ MJM

Why are Kansas City’s airwaves filled with pro-Putin ‘Radio Sputnik’ propaganda? BY THE KANSAS CITY STAR EDITORIAL BOARD UPDATED MARCH 04, 2022 9:39 AM

 

“You’re listening to Radio Sputnik,’‘ the polished, made-for-radio voice says, accompanied by triumphant Russian-themed music. “Telling the untold.” “Live from the divided states of America,” announces the host of “Fault Lines Radio” show. Produced in Washington, D.C., the program airs locally on AM radio station KCXL. Yes, we’re talking about a radio station spouting Russian propaganda from the heartland — just outside Kansas City. And why, you might ask, are Russian talking points airing on area radio stations? Money talks. Or maybe we should say rubles. Radio Sputnik, a media service funded by the Kremlin, airs daily on three stations in Kansas City. Alpine Broadcasting Corp. owner Peter Schartel is paid by Russian interests to broadcast pro-Vladimir Putin programming on them all. And this week, with Russian tanks, artillery and troops continuing the tragic and reckless invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the Russian apologists spun hard. Schartel remained defiant even after multiple reports Thursday that the American branch of RT, the Russian-funded media network, was shutting down and laying off its staff. He said his contract was with an American company that works with the Russian authorities behind Sputnik. That company “has not notified us of any interruption,” he said.

 

For now, at least, the show goes on, and we sampled its absurd pro-Russian arguments so you wouldn’t have to. Guests on the “Fault Lines Radio” show this week, encouraged by hosts Jamarl Thomas and Faran Fronczak, would have you believe Putin was an unwilling participant in this conflict…

Orange of Specious

Article URL : https://www.kansascity.com/opinion/editorials/article259042963.html