RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service: Radio Europa Libera

Website: 4.89 million visits; 6.6 million page views
Facebook: 141 million video views; 21.4 million engaged users
YouTube: 2.6 million views; 103,000 subscribers
Instagram: 1.2 million video views; 24,000 followers

Radio Europa Libera provides audiences with objective reporting and independent commentary in a region where disinformation is widespread.

Operating out of Chisinau, reaches nearly 20 percent of the Moldovan population each week.
Reaches rapidly growing (40% increase Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022) Romanian and Russian-speaking audiences.
Digital team sourcing, verifying user generated content to cover war in Ukraine; broke news about bridge exploding at Ukrainian/Moldovan border.
First on the scene to investigate errant Russian missiles and speak with locals, prompting visits from President Maia Sandu to the area.
Among first to report on refugees at border with Ukraine (Feb. 2022). Video had 1.9 million views and helped mobilize assistance efforts.
Video on taxi drivers exploiting refugees led Moldovan government to organize transportation.
Service’s breaking investigation about environmental deal between Moldovan government and breakaway region of Transnistria prompted public debate.
Service interviewed Moldavan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita about possibilities of Russian invasion.