As social tension grows, demand for independent media steps up in Belarusian society

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said that the Ministry would not stop funding the Belsat TV channel, albeit would curtail such support. Despite the fact that Belsat is unavailable through cable networks in Belarus, its Youtube channel has become the leader among the Belarusian media (35 million views in March alone) when covering the protest movement in February-March and, most likely, had had a significant impact on public moods in Belarus. Belsat coverage of social protests caused a nervous response from the Belarusian law enforcers and the country’s top leadership. The authorities changed the law enforcement practice and deprived some journalists of protection guaranteed by the Media Law. Despite the possible cuts in funding and pressure from the Belarusian authorities, independent media successfully compete with the state media in shaping public opinion thanks to modern information and communication technologies. Apparently, as tension in Belarusian society grows, demand for independent information and independent media outlets will increase.