But First YOUR VIEWS, after all the listeners are the most important people in any radio station:From the RTI Chat Room,Facebook & RTI E-mail:
Dear Mrs Regulator,
Just over 3 years ago you helped celebrate the launch of RTI from Poprad in Slovakia, an initiative to bridge the gap between east and Western Europe and an opportunity to unite the people through the medium of Radio.The team behind RTI have worked hard to break cultural and language barriers that often divide the people of the world. This has been done by promoting two languages, English and Slovak through the programme schedule of the station. Many people in Poprad and Slovakia as a whole may not have access to the Internet or Satellite equipment capable of tuning into the English programmes aired on the station. They for the last 3 years have been able to tune into to their FM service, a service 3 years ago you helped celebrate the launch of.What I cannot understand is why there has been a change of heart and the forced closure by your department to force English programming of the FM service of RTI.Europe is about freedom of choice and trying to unite people, what you have done works against this ethos. As the people want English programmes then they should not be denied this. Please rethink your action.Liam, Republic of IrelandDear Slovak Regulator,I am sure you understand that English IS the primary language of the business world. If you don't I am surprised.As a country who has added many International business's, including Samsung, Ford, Peugeot, Kia, and Hyandai (to name a few) in assistance of the Slovakian economy, it should become apparent that English language information that can promote Slovakia, in the EU and other World areas, is of a premiere advantage to your country in the growing World and EU marketplace.Any government official that does not see this advantage should be recalled and I will do everything that I personally can to make sure that happens if the diminishment of the English language in Slovakia continues. RTI is operated by a respected Czech Person (who has done much for your country and its people). However, as a person that has worked for the major US and European networks for almost 40 years I can say that maintaining RTI English broadcasts at their current level and at this important transitional time for your country is of paramount importance to the continued growth of your country. I will make certain that the Prime Minister and the President of your country are aware of your short sightedness.Sincerely,(Author is the President of an International Media Company)Riso: I’m honestly very surprised by the news that RTI is no longer allowed to transmit English spoken programmes in Slovakia by air. This is one step back for Slovakia as I’m waiting years for a project which could allow one radio station to broadcast in more languages{English, Spanish, Russian, French for instance}like it is in Austria{currently FM4 RADIO from Vienna}.I don’t understand why we can’t listen to programmes in other than the Slovak language. It is very poor law and I strictly disagree with this and just hope it’ll change soon!WITHOUT PREJUDICEI am a British citizen living in Slovakia, that once thought that Slovakia was a european state that was doing most things right, it was with much regret and disbelief I was informed of the fact that R.T.I. is no longer allowed to transmit English spoken programmes....Hallo this 2008 and yes Slovakia is in the E.U. and as I understand it the English language is the one chosen to be spoken even in the E.U. parliament !May I recommend that the very very narrow minded Slovak regulatory board please come into the 21st century and let the normal Slovak population have the (FREE) opportunity to listen to some English language.Yours faithfullyDr. A. Mxxxx(Full name withheld at the request of the author)Pavol: I hope you will be able to find a mode which would enable broadcasting of the disputed programmes.David: I wish to make known to you all, that I fully support your anguish and dispair over the Slovak authorities' decision to disallow English programming on FM @ RTI. This is a crass move by the Slovaks. In an age where English is; and has been for many years, the 2nd World language, and the other fact that Slovakia is an EU member state.To the Slovak radio regulators: THINK AGAIN, PLEASE! Return the 'right' of RTI Radio to re-introduce the English FM Broadcasts, NOW!!!Tim: Ouch - sorry to hear that :-( …. Everything I've read and heard indicates that the local population actually likes the English broadcasts. Sounds like your government knows best though :-(
Peter: Of course Slovakia should preserve its culture. Does anyone not remember the good old days of just a few short years ago ? Is that what they are trying to force their country back to ? (Please show your party membership card at the entrance, and don't forget the bribe).....Don't let Kafka's work have been in vain !.....You know, as do we all, that what they are really objecting to is FUN !
Martin J : I am struggling to understand what our goverment aims to achieve by banning english language in slovak radios. Their decision is illogical to me and sooo narrow-minded! We live in a global world today, everybody speaks english. Why can't we do so in the radio? If you don't like to listen to it, then don't do it! But ban it completely? That's just ridiculous! I thought Slovakia was a liberal and open-minded country, but this decision reminds me more of a communist china rather than a democratic EU state. I was actually listening to RTI only because of the fact that they were broadcasting in english...Hope that the government will review this step and finally realise that it is nonsense
Zoë: Does this mean Album Zone on RTI is no more? I guess it must.. (Album Zone continues on the main service of RTI, yes - FM no)
Daniel: Whats this about closing English programs.. doesn't sound like a good idea.Phillip: I am presuming instead of English Progs on FM, it'll be non-stop politically correct music ? Sometimes, radio authorities don't have a clue really, do they ?It could be considered racist in some circles too, their decisions.It's many many steps backward for European understanding, and all that, but of course, you knew that.Why suddenly the bolt out of the blue btw ? The strangest thing is that they've waited till you've been on air for 3 years before making the decision. Now, that's a strange one, to say the least.Alan: It's such a narrow-minded ruling, let's face it there are lots of places on the continent that broadcast in English. It certainly cuts across an essential plank of what RTI is all about.Miriam: what a shame.... poor you battling the authorities - dont they understand about lots of english speaking peoples now living in slovakia who would like to listen to radio in ENGLISH???George: I am saddened that there needs to be a split considered in RTI and also I feel that the Slovak regulator is not working in the public's interest to block a bi-lingual service.ALMAC: THIS WILL NOT BE THE LAST ERIC SHOW FROM POPRAD !!!Peter: This is very sad news.... Presumably you talked to the regulator about the programmes that go out in Hungarian. English is a minority language spoken by many people in this country, it is also an opportunity for Slovaks to hear spoken English - something they need to hear. But then you know all this.cozza: hello rti!!! love the website and the station!cozza: can't believe i've discovered this life changing radio show on your last day. eric - could you not continue doing show on SKY Digital and internet and let Slovakians government have thier show on FM only? then we could still hear you? RTI can bring peace and good will and good fun.Katka: Eric...one huge thank you for all of your shows..I ll always remember them...and Im sure this is not the last time we hear you broadcastingChris: Why did they decide to get you to take all the English stuff off after such a long time?Adam: Surely under EU law/Human Rights they cannot force you either way??
Branislav Janovec: This is an OUT RAGE! It's 2008, not 1948.What harm has RTI ever done on FM? I know helped people who maybe don't have the resources to practise English - less chance of getting in trouble for kissing Robert MugabeMichal: BOO HISS!!! Nasty Regulators.... :-(
Pavol Jakubec, a Slovak Listener to RTI, has written a new campaign letter to help reinstate English language shows to RTI-SK on FM. Pavol also agreed that other EU citizens, and those further a field, are free to use his letter. The letter can be found below
The following letter was written by Pavol, he is happy for anyone else to use the words and then send it to studio@rti.fm
THANK YOU Pavol
============================================
With great regret I have read a message that the English-spoken programmes of RTI had to be withdrawn because of regulatory reasons: only Slovak spoken programmes are allowed furthermore.
I think it is unbelievable that in a time when a united Europe tries to come closer together, a governmental institution of a EU member country sets up these requests.
It seems to me that Slovak regulatory board decided to make a narrow-minded step, which shows little understanding of latest development. In the time of globalisation of our economies, which also blossoming Slovak economy is a valuable part of, sufficient English skills are essential. By listening to the English-spoken programmes on RTI, many young people could get accustomed to and learn English. A lot of my friends from other Eastern European countries, as well as those from "old" EU member countries love the English Programmes on RTI!
In a time of unification, this is an absolutely wrong signal to the world. Nobody looses his identity ties with his country by being able to communicate in a language different from that of his/her mother tongue. This is a signal reminding of separation and chauvinism.
Yours faithfully,
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Pavol Jakubec we thank you for your solidarity
All those wishing to support RTI in its hour of need should send the letters to studio@rti.fm
Thank you - Team RTI
The BAD PEOPLE! Chris Reardon (Acclaimed DJ with years of broadcast experience), Six Radio (with years of experience working with State Broadcasters), Johnny Reece (with the very same shows aired in many other EU states without ANY complants), and where would we begin with Larry? And you would never have guessed where the English man who hosted the Swedish Top Chart was trained.
Click on the images to find out more
!!!There are more interesting stories further down!!!
Click on the images to find out more
!!!There are more interesting stories further down!!!
One disaster was Mr Reece speaking in English for around 40 seconds, about the same time as an Australian actress did in English on a Slovak TV station without any apparent problems - actually she has done that rather a lot recently but that's OK!!
THE STORY ISN'T OVER YET, please keep going
On the left, below, Juraj Koiš 06 June 2008 writes an article which includes comment from the Slovak regulator stating that all programmes have to be translated into Slovak On the right a story from the Slovak Spectator announcing the launch of RTI via a TASR report. Click on the images to go directly to the web site of the article - they are ALL independent of RTI.
Below and left the same launch story, quoting TASR as the source, appeared on the highly respected Media Network service. The head of the Slovak Regulator is again quoted and no mention of translation, just programme exchanges - may we remind everyone this was THREE years ago! Centre is a story on TV Centrum talking about Radio Tatry returning AGAIN, dated 2004. The failed station was only saved when RTI owner Mr Jan Telensky agreed to become the majority shareholder and fund its development as part of RTI. The Project Coordinator, Mr Igor Ludma, shared with RTI that Radio Tatry had to be on air by January 2005 or its license would be revoked. Right is another story on TV Centrum about Radio Caroline broacasting on RTI FM in English, from 2005. Click on the images to go directly to the web site of the article - they are independent of RTI.
THANK YOU FOR GETTING THIS FAR - NOW A FUN REMINDER
If you publish things on the Internet there are places like www.archive.org which retains MILLIONS of pages for many years. Below are three examples which you can view via archive.org by clicking on the images.
Left 2006 rti.fm Centre 2006 RadioTatry Left 2005 RadioTatry
If you haven't noticed both rti.fm and radiotatry.com carried the same pages and the same schedule showing English programmes on FM in Slovakia from April 2005.
Now to clarify things - We were all great friends when the network launched in 2005
The FM license was signed by Ms Valéria Agócs for the Slovak Regulator
and
Mr Jan Telensky for RTI/Radio Tatry.
Later the Slovak company was granted a further license for Kosice, license application prepared by Mr Igor Ludma, and was even offered another license in Presov, also preparation work undertaken by Mr Ludma, which it declined to take up. However, by this time there was a major problem with the original 94.2 FM frequency in areas of the town of Poprad. There are unbreakable technical reasons why this happens which cannot be changed. Therefore, an attempt was made to coordinate a low-power relay frequency for the town of Poprad to relay RTI. After receiving help from many people a relay frequency was coordinated. However, the Slovak company still had to apply to the Slovak Regulator to use that frequency.
The Slovak Regulator chose to award the frequency to a station headed up by Mr Igor Ludma, who had previously parted company with the Slovak arm of RTI. RTI chose to appeal to the highest Court in Slovakia and in November 2007 won the appeal.
The papers are available for viewing below. However, even after that appeal the license was yet again issued to the station headed-up by Mr Ludma in March 2008.
Is This The World We Created? - Brian May/Freddie Mercury
Another One Bites The Dust - John Deacon
Radio, someone still loves you! - Roger Taylor
"I got really into the idea that people could actually live together with a new kind of energy - a new kind of relationship - and so it seemed to me that if we could propagate that - if that would be something one could trigger people's memory banks - just trigger the idea in people - 'hold on for a second - maybe there's something else - there's some alternative to this completely robot like way of life that we are all heading towards or seem to be heading towards' ….. (Ronan O'Rahilly founder of Radio Caroline)
By now you must be thinking ....... please don't. Slovakia is a GREAT PLACE!
It's often the case that when you do something positive and new some people don't know how to handle it and the route they normally take is negative.
You can read magazines in English, order your food in English, book a holiday in English, infact you can do almost anything/everything in English. By the way - satellite and internet gives you English programming with no problems at all.
