Andrei Haladzinsky: Radio stations still alive but without former enthusiasm

In August 2004, Belarus adopted a provision demanding that no less than 75% of TV and radio broadcasts were of Belarusian artists. The innovation was there on January 1, 2005. Euroradio interviewed the Ministry of Information, which developed the norms, to find out about the results after ten years.

Euroradio: There is soon a 10th anniversary of the 75% rate... 

Head of Electronic Media Uladzimir Yadrantsau: How do you know? 

Euroradio: Well, it's not that hard to count! 

Uladzimir Yadrantsau: So what? 

Euroradio: I would like to ask about the results of the ten-year work! The original purpose of this provision was to popularize the Belarusian music... 

Uladzimir Yadrantsau: So what? What's the point? You know, this is not a topic of conversation, let alone the one on air! We have currently all the radio stations, including private ones perform this request in full. If someone doesn't ... I do not remember that in the last few years there were any penalties for any failure of the radio station to fulfil the norms. What does it mean? We have to work, that's it! We live and work in the Republic of Belarus, so please! Take a trip to France and see how many percent is there, the whole 100%! 

Euroradio: But I do not care how it is in France, I did not ask about that! 

Uladzimir Yadrantsau: there is no point talking about the 75%. Today, there is such a requirement, and not a single radio station is complaining! Absolutely no complains! Because they know that they are working in a sovereign state, a small but proud country! Sorry, I am ata meeting, I cannot talk anymore. 

With the same question we turned to the Ministry of Culture, whose subordinates were supposed to profit from the new law in 2004. But the 24 hours needed to prepare the article were not enough for them to find someone who would be able to speculate on the topic. But earlier the Ministry repeatedly stated there was an increase in demand for Belarusian artists, more tickets sold for concerts and an increase in ticket prices. 

Representatives of radio stations in their turn are not so enthusiastic about the 75% limit on the air. 

"You know, if I answer this question, I will use a lot of nasty words," said the representative from the Tunes of the Century," and I do not like it this way. So, I'm sorry."

Inna Vasilyeva, music editor at Radio Rocks (the station that changed the format from rock to chanson after the introduction of the law)  considered discussion of the outcomes  from the ten-year cap of 75% of the Belarusian music broadcast stupid in itself and hung up. In fact, we received the same reaction at other metropolitan radio stations. 

The first FM DJ of Belarus, music editor with great experience, a walking encyclopedia, who recognizes any tune from the first chords, Andrei Khaladzinsky, comments on the issue with a smile: 

"The effect of this law was already clear 10 years ago! Forecasts were absolutely correct. Radio stations are still alive, but without the former enthusiasm and without former interest from listeners. Unfortunately, I can't say that this law helped somebody to get promoted... Maybe only Max Korzh. And then, mostly because he isn't broadcast by radio stations very often. This law would be justified if we had to fight for our own stuff, but  before the introduction of 75% ratio, when Belarusian performers had quality songs, we were happy to put them on the air." 

The only possible advantage of the introduction of 75% ratio is seen by Andrei Khaladinsky in the development of various Internet radio stations, streams and music distribution channels. Therefore no one is going to celebrate the decade of 75% as something extraordinary.