Melbourne radio station probed over Russian propaganda

The website of a Melbourne radio station that’s been accused of airing Russian war propaganda has gone dark.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been spreading misinformation in the wake of the war in Ukraine.

Melbourne-based radio station 3ZZZ appears to have shut down its website following reports it was allowing war propaganda to be aired on its Russian news program.

The Australian Communications and Media authority is currently investigating the ethnic community station after receiving multiple complaints about its Russian program, which had a one-hour slot on Wednesday nights and another on Fridays.

The program has been accused of broadcasting misinformation about the conflict in Ukraine and espousing pro-Kremlin sentiment, as well as pushing Russian president Vladimir Putin’s justification for war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an assault against Ukraine last month. (Photo by Mikhail Klimentyev / SPUTNIK / AFP)

In an email exchange between a Russian-speaking, Ukraine-born Victorian and 3ZZZ – seen by the Herald Sun – the radio station responded to concerns by declaring it would take six weeks to review its content.

Every time a new complaint was made, the radio station warned it would reset the six-week clock.

Its website now appears to have been shut down. It is unclear whether it is a temporary measure.

Previous episodes of the Russian news show were accessible on the website prior to the shutdown.

It is not yet known whether 3ZZZ’s array of other news programs could suffer as a consequence of an investigation into the controversial Russian show.

The radio station also broadcasts a Ukrainian news program, with Ukraine Association of Victoria member Liana Slipetsky recently telling the Herald Sun there were concerns for its hosts.

“What respect is that showing to them? If 3ZZZ wants any kind of respect, they need to show respect to the Ukrainians who broadcast there as well,” Ms Slipetsky said.

Liana Slipetsky (left) said the radio station’s approach had been ‘disgusting’. Picture: Wayne Taylor

A broadcaster of the radio station’s Turkish program was unaware of the website shutdown on Saturday morning but said he was expecting to produce the show as usual.

The Russian program reportedly played a song containing derogatory lyrics about Ukrainian people and politicians, claimed the Russian army had not been attacking Ukrainian towns and aired Vladimir Putin’s justification for the invasion.

In a statement, the ACMA confirmed it had received four complaints about the broadcasts.

Scores of Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the Russian assault. (Photo by Aris Messinis / AFP)

“We are concerned about the issues raised and are currently considering the matter, including reviewing the content of two episodes of the program,” a spokesperson said.

“At the same time, we have been in contact with the broadcaster and urged them to expedite their response to the matter.”

The Community Broadcasters Association of Australia has also been in contact with the broadcaster.

The war in Ukraine is in its fourth week and Moscow has been amping up its information war against the West to justify its actions.

Russian-speaking Rost Vashevnik, who has lived in Australia for 34 years, said he had listened to the programs in question.

“I listen to this garbage two times per week,” he told the Herald Sun.

“I analyse and find new ample evidence of propaganda.”

Following multiple complaints, the radio station reportedly told complainants there was a six-week review turn around.

The Ukrainian Association of Victoria said 3ZZZ’s six-week review policy was “disgusting” and that its bosses needed to be held to account.

“We’re Australia, we’re democratic, we know the truth,” said Ms Slipetsky.

“In extreme times, like what we’re living in now, I don’t think complaints about Russian propaganda should take a back seat.”

Thousands of people turned up to anti-war protests earlier this month. Picture: Tony Gough

Anti-war protests earlier this month broke out in major cities across the world, including a rally that attracted thousands in Melbourne.

Russian-identifying people were also seen in the crowds showing their support for Ukraine and distancing themselves from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions.

A Russian man at the Melbourne protest went to extraordinary lengths to show support for Ukraine, going as far as setting his passport on fire in an act of defiance.

In the vision posted across social media, former Russian citizen Andrei was visibly shaking as pieces of ash fell to the ground outside Treasury Gardens.

Asked by a bystander if he was denouncing Russian President Vladimir Putin, he simply said: “Absolutely, yes.”

“Curse him and everything he stands for,” Andrei said.

“I hope he will not live for much longer.”