Belarusian intellectuals appeal for support of Belsat TV


May 16th, 2011

To:

Mr Jan Dworak, Chairman of the National Broadcasting Council (KRRIT)

Mr Juliusz Braun, President of the Polish Television Board

We would like to express our deep gratefulness for the Polish Television Board’s support for Belsat TV. Soon, we will celebrate the 5th anniversary of the birth of this satellite Chanel, the only independent TV in Belarusian language in the Word. For Belarusians, Belsat is currently the only TV Chanel offering objective information about their country and the world, it is also a venue of truth, pluralism and adoration of freedom. All these factors contribute to the growing popularity of Belsat TV in Belarus. Belsat draws a lot of attention from inhabitants of rural areas, where majority of people does not have cable networks, but rather satellite dishes. It is extremely important, because of the great difficulties with reaching the country side with the independent newspapers. What is more, Belsat has an advantage over the FM radio stations, because its signal can be received countrywide.

Belsat also plays extremely important role in the development of Belarusian language and culture. Through this channel, Belarus and the world learn about achievements of independent artists, about hopes of Belarusian people to live in a free and democratic country.

As representatives of Belarusian intelligentsia, we would like to remind once again about the invaluable significance of the independent TV channel with Belarusian language and focus on Belarusian issues. Drawing from our common history, we know that support for democracy and desire for freedom for her neighbors, has always been important for Poland. In this difficult for Belarus times, we are extremely grateful for Poland’s real and concrete aid for Freedom and Democracy in Belarus. Looking at the example of Poland, in the past supported by the Free World to become a free country, we know how effective can such help be, especially when it comes to disseminating independent and truthful information.

Hence, our appeal to the management of Polish Television, for further support for Belsat TV, so that this channel can maintain its existence and develop.

Signatories of the appeal of support for Belsat TV

Valantsin Akudovich, Ph.D in Philosophy, author

Mikhail Aniempadystav, poet, painter

Alexandr Vaytovich, Ph.D, former president of the Belarussian Academy of Science (1997-2001), former chairman of the Council of the Republic (2000-2003)

Marat Haravy, independent journalist

Radzim Haretski, independent journalist

Valatsin Holubiev, Ph.D in History, former deputy in the Supreme Soviet of Belarusian Republic

Anatol Hulayev, journalist, a chairman of the Ethics Commission of the Belarusian Journalists Association

Siarkhiey Zakonnikav, poet

Sviatlana Kalinkina, journalist, deputy editor-in-chief of the „Narodnaya Vola” newspaper

Uladzimir Kolas, film director, director of the Belarusian Humanistic High School, chairman of the Council of Belarusian Intelligentsia

Asien Lis, Ph.D in Philology

Khieorkhiy Likhtarovich, photographer, poet

Piotra Sadovsky, First Ambassador of Belarus in Germany, former deputy in the Supreme Soviet of Belarusian Republic

Uladzimir Sodal, writer, anchorman

Alexandr Siadziaka, teacher, deputy chairman of the Association of Belarusian School

Alekh Trusav, president of the Association of Belarusian Language, former deputy in the Supreme Soviet of Belarusian Republic

Valery Fralov, Major General, former deputy of the House of Representatives in National Assembly of Belarus

Uladzimi Khalip, Ph.D in Art History, script writer

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