Kremlin'backed separatists in east Ukraine are controlling three facilities of the Radio Broadcasting, Radio Communications and Television Concern (KRRT) - in Donetsk, Luhansk and Rovenky (Luhansk region), the National Television and Radio Broadcasting Council of Ukraine said on its Web site on Aug. 19.
In particular, up to nine Russian channels and none of the Ukrainian ones are broadcast by the radio and television broadcasting station in Donetsk. Donetsk can partially receive Channel 5 from a station in Volnovakha, which also broadcasts Radio 24 (96.5 FM) to the regional center.
The station in Luhansk has been controlled by the militants since May 1. Part of its broadcasting equipment has been switched off, and five transmitters are tuned to broadcast Russian programs. As a result of the hostilities, the station has been without power since July 31.
The Rovenky station only broadcasts three Ukrainian channels – ICTV, TRK Ukraine and Nika-TV.
The KRRT facilities are being restored and Ukrainian television broadcasts are being resumed in populated areas liberated by the Ukrainian army, according to the broadcasting regulator. In Kramatorsk, for example, several transmitters have resumed broadcasts under a temporary scheme involving a capacity below the licensed one. At the moment, the city’s station requires the repair of its structures, overhead power lines and other repairs.
The station in Lysychansk has been broadcasting all Ukrainian channels since July 26. The station in Popasnaya resumed broadcasts on June 26.
A number of measures are in place to increase the coverage area, in particular, television channels are installing more powerful transmitters.
