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Washington, D.C., June 7, 2001 -- The Voice of America’s Estonian broadcast service is observing its 50th year on the air this week. 

The first broadcast, which was transmitted via short-wave, contained a summary of world news and a message assuring Estonian listeners that the United States would never recognize the Soviet occupation of Estonia. 

Commenting on the Estonian service’s anniversary, VOA Director Sanford Ungar said, “I want to congratulate the generations of dedicated men and women who have worked in our Estonian service over the years. I am also delighted that VOA remains such a vital source of accurate news and information for the people of Estonia.”

VOA’s Estonian Service, which broadcasts news of the U.S., Estonia and the world, is affiliated with 11 radio stations in Estonia, including state-owned Estonian Radio and 10 privately owned broadcasters. The service broadcasts Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute evening program and a 10-minute morning program. 

The Voice of America is a multimedia international broadcasting service funded by the U.S. Government. VOA broadcasts over 900 hours of news, informational, educational, and cultural programming every week to an audience of some 100 million worldwide. Programs are produced and broadcast in English, Estonian and 51 other languages. 

For additional information, please contact the Office of External Affairs at (202) 619-2538 or send email to pubaff@voa.gov.