In June, Chilean truck driver Javier Gallardo experienced a shocking change in his morning routine when he turned on his television. Instead of the classical music program he typically enjoyed, a news segment filled the screen, depicting scenes of war. The channel broadcasting this was identified as “RT,” or Russia Today, a Russian state-backed news outlet.
Allegations have emerged that Telecanal, a privately-owned television channel in Chile, handed over its signal to RT. In response, Chile’s broadcasting regulator has opened proceedings against Telecanal for a potential violation of broadcasting laws. The channel has not provided any comments on the matter. Many viewers, like Gallardo, expressed confusion and frustration regarding the lack of prior announcement about this programming change.
In recent years, RT and its parent agency, Sputnik, have broadened their international reach, now broadcasting in various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. This expansion coincides with restrictions imposed by Western nations following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 when multiple countries and major tech companies banned RT for disseminating disinformation.
Despite these restrictions, RT claims to maintain a significant global presence, including expanding its operations into Algeria and targeting African journalists for training. Experts indicate that RT’s programming is tailored to resonate with local sentiments, particularly in regions historically influenced by anti-Western discourse, making its coverage appear legitimate to some audiences.
Research suggests that while viewers might recognize some biases in RT’s reporting, they may not fully grasp the extent of misinformation involved. Additionally, RT’s broader narrative strategy sometimes evokes sympathy toward Russian geopolitical motives, a tactic observed by academic experts.
As implications of this media influence unfold globally, questions arise about RT’s role in shaping perceptions of Russia’s actions, the impact on local audiences, and the overall implications for the evolving international media landscape.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2vr37yd4no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss