In 2021, Radio Bulgaria celebrates 85years since its establishment. It was a Sunday, when the shortwave radio transmitter, known as “Elza” radio station, started broadcasts to Europe, North Africa and North America in Esperanto. “The radio taught us how not to hate”, recalled the legendary writer, interpreter, producer and critic Petar Ouvaliev ( Pierre Rouve). These words intertwine in the personal and professional history of journalist Sonya Kasavetova.

“When I was an adolescent, I came across a book by the French writer Jacques Remy titled “If All the Guys in the World”. The book tells a story about a crew of a merchant vessel, which caught a deadly disease. As a result, their ship was not allowed to dock. Then, the commander who was a radio amateur contacted with other radio amateurs across the globe and launched a complex network of people who wanted to help the crew members.”

Sonya Kasavetova was so impressed by the book that she recalled this story many times and on various occasions. She became a member of Radio Bulgaria’s team more than 30 years ago and regarded the opportunity to join Radio Bulgaria as predestined.

“I felt close to others from the moment I became a member of Radio Bulgaria’s team and specifically in my department – “Bulgarian language broadcasts”. Back in the 1980’s our programs were intended for the economic migrants who left Bulgaria in the 1930’s, as well as for their descendants. Despite the difficulties, the feeling of strong connection between people was at the core of my job until my last day in the radio. I was working towards creating a community of warm-hearted and curious people who wanted to return to their roots and everything they missed over the years when they were far from Bulgaria and travel opportunities were extremely limited.”

Sonya was in charge of the Bulgarian-language broadcasts for more than 15 years. In her view, the society is indebted to Radio Bulgaria’s language broadcasts. It is not surprising that over the years, many people were not aware of the idea of the program and its product, which was more popular abroad than in Bulgaria.

Nowadays, we must take into account the ideology of the new technologies. In Sonya’s words, nowadays listeners have the opportunity to choose for themselves the things that interest them, which is very exciting.

“Listeners are no longer inert. This is particularly important for the national radio, because its goal is to help our society improve, be better informed and more moral. In my opinion, the naturally occurring feedback is the greatest achievement of the new technologies”, said Sonya Kasavetova.

As for Sonya’s wishes to her colleagues from Radio Bulgaria, they are associated with the past, present and future of our media:

“We have always been part of the world. Our job has never been affected by borders, distance or restrictions. The colleagues who used to work, or are still working for Radio Bulgaria are independent and free-spirited people. I hope they stay the same and keep their taste for adventure.”

English version: Kostadin Atanasov