VOA Ukrainian Branch celebrates 50th annniversary (12/19/99)

VOA Ukrainian Branch celebrates 50th annniversary

WASHINGTON - "I can't believe that I'm actually standing inside the building where VOA studios are located!"

This was the reaction of a recent visitor to VOA's Ukrainian Branch, one who had been the radio program's faithful listener throughout the Cold War years when it was strictly forbidden to listen to the broadcasts in the USSR.

Today VOA's Ukrainian Branch programs - which were heard for the first time on December 12, 1949 - are carried by the Ukrainian State Radio Network and over several Ukrainian commercial radio stations throughout Ukraine.

Ukrainian Branch programs can also be heard on the Internet at http://www.voa.gov/Ukrainian. The Ukrainian Branch maintains a Kyiv bureau managed by branch staff on a rotating basis.

In addition four former VOA Ukrainian Branch staffers produce a popular 30-minute TV program "Window on America," which is shown on Ukrainian National Television.

On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, VOA's Ukrainian Branch is paying tribute to former branch chiefs, shift editors, news editors, producers, writers, commentators and others, from those who are enjoying their retirement to and those who still are actively involved in the development and production of the high quality programs.

VOA Director Sanford Ungar congratulated the Ukrainian Branch broadcasts, both past and present, for their "professional and dedicated service," during the anniversary broadcast. He went on to say that "[his] special thanks and appreciation also goes to our Ukrainian listeners, who over the years, have made this valued 50-year relationship with the Voice of America possible."

During the broadcast, Ukrainian Branch Chief Lydia Rudins said, "Many former and current staffers have put a lot of time and effort into making our Ukrainian-language programs informative and relevant to our audience. Our 50th anniversary is a time to look back and pay tribute to their accomplishments." In addition to Ms. Rudins' comments, former branch chiefs Michael Terpak, Oksana Dragan, Mykola Francuzenko and Wolodymyr Bilajiw recalled their experiences running one of the VOA language branches broadcasting to the former Soviet Union.

| Home Page |