RSF - Reporters sans frontières

09/22/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2025 10:45

RSF launches Svoboda+, a new independent Russian-language channel

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is proud to announce the launch of Svoboda+, the newest addition to the Svoboda Satellite package. Broadcast free-to-air via Hotbird 13E, Svoboda+ offers a unique blend of political commentary, travel, and entertainment programming.

The new Russian language channel in the Svoboda Satellite package, Svoboda+ combines incisive political analysis with lighter cultural and travel content, making it both informative and engaging. By featuring renowned independent voices such as Maxim Katz, Mark Feygin,and Ilya Varlamov,Svoboda+ aims to inspire viewers and foster open debate among Russian speakers everywhere. The Svoboda satellite signal at Hotbird 13E is received by more than 61 million households across the EMEA region, including more than 4 millions in Russia itself.

"At a time when Russia is intensifying its crackdown on free speech and independent journalism, the mission of Svoboda Satellite is more vital than ever. With Svoboda+, we are expanding our offering to deliver free access to reliable information and quality programming that breaks through censorship and propaganda. RSF is proud to support this initiative and to stand with Russian-speaking audiences in their right to independent media.

Thibaut Bruttin
RSF Director General

"Svoboda+ provides a welcome addition to the Svoboda Satellite bouquet of channels. Combining entertainment with politics is a compelling formula to draw viewership while bringing attention to important political issues."

Jim Phillipoff
Svoboda Satellite Project Director

Svoboda Satellite is a free-to-air satellite platform broadcasting independent Russian-language TV channels to audiences in Russia and beyond via Eutelsat Hotbird 13ºE. RSF launched Svoboda right as Russia ramped up its war on press freedom, using both technological and legal means to increase restrictions on the dissemination of reliable information. In August 2025, the Kremlin went further by designating RSF as an "undesirable organisation,"underscoring the threat that independent journalism represents to its control of information. Funding for the project comes from the European Commission.

Channel Reception Parameters:

Satellite: Hotbird 13G at 13.0E

Transponder: tp 122

Frequency: 10949 MHz

Polarization: Vertical

Symbol rate: 27500 Ksym/s

FEC: 2/3

Modulation: DVB-S2/8PSK

Channel name: "SVOBODA+"

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Published on22.09.2025
  • EUROPE - CENTRAL ASIA
  • Russia
  • Digital space and democracy
  • News
  • Press freedom
  • Freedom of opinion and expression
  • Right to news and information
  • Technology
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