McClatchy: U.S.-funded broadcasters in S. Korea bombard North

[babylonsister]

U.S.-funded broadcasters in S. Korea bombard North
By Tim Johnson | McClatchy Newspapers


SEOUL, South Korea — In isolated North Korea, the only legal transistor radios have dials permanently set to government stations.

But smugglers and itinerant traders bring an increasing number of radios into North Korea, according to anecdotal reports, and that's gratifying news for three tiny broadcasters that beam information north of the border.

Each night, the three U.S.-financed radio stations crackle onto the air, trying to reach North Koreans who are brave — or reckless — enough to tune into foreign newscasts in defiance of the North’s Stalinist regime.

“Greetings from the voice of hope,” began one recent newscast from Open Radio for North Korea. “We are trying to reach you to provide you with information.”

The three broadcasters — Open Radio for North Korea, Free North Korea Radio and Radio Free Chosun — each receive about $200,000 annually from the National Endowment for Democracy, a nonprofit body financed by Congress to promote democracy worldwide.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/226/story/19826.html

[BushOut06]

1. Why are we recklessly endangering North Korean lives?

We know damned well that anybody caught listening to these illegal broadcasters face imprisonment or worse.

[babylonsister]

2. Why are we paying $200,000 each to three different agencies to promote

this?