NRJ Group Faces Controversy Over Russian Operations in Occupied Ukraine
Franchise in Donetsk broadcasts Russian military recruitment messages amidst international scrutiny.
NRJ Group, a major media conglomerate based in France, operates a portfolio that includes four radio stations (NRJ, Chérie FM, Nostalgie, and Rire & Chansons) as well as two television channels (Chérie 25 and NRJ Hits) among its various international ventures.
The group extends its reach to 16 countries, where local radio stations operate under a 'brand licensing agreement.' This includes a presence in Russia, where NRJ granted a license to Gazprom-Media Holding in early 2021, a large media entity that controls a significant number of TV and radio services within the country.
The reported financial value of this deal with Gazprom-Media Holding, according to independent sources, is approximately €1.25 million and is set to last until December 31, 2025. Gazprom-Media has faced scrutiny for disseminating anti-Ukrainian propaganda and justifying Russia's military actions in Ukraine, a stance that has drawn criticism from various international observers, including the Council of Europe.
As of early 2024, NRJ's Russian operations have expanded to include broadcasts in Donetsk, a city that was annexed by Russia in 2022. Reports indicate that residents in Donetsk are now exposed to a blend of international pop music and advertisements soliciting enlistment in the Russian military.
These broadcasts are supplemented with links to websites and contact numbers for recruitment purposes, positioning the station as an intersection of entertainment and political messaging.
In contradistinction to its operations in Russia, NRJ Group has publicly displayed commitment to humanitarian efforts, citing participation in events aimed at supporting Ukrainian hospitals through the Rire & Chanson channel in 2023.
Upon being contacted regarding the situation in Donetsk, NRJ Group responded with surprise at the reports of its brand being utilized to promote military propaganda.
The company stated that the licensing agreement was established prior to the onset of the conflict in Ukraine and that it does not permit operations in Donetsk, which it recognizes as Ukrainian territory.
NRJ Group also indicated that the contract explicitly prohibits any political messaging.
Over the past months, NRJ has taken steps to terminate the licensing agreement, asserting that the necessary actions are being implemented promptly.
Furthermore, the group has stated that it has ceased obtaining any financial compensation related to the contract since the beginning of the conflict.
Within the company, the continued validity of the contract had previously been discussed and raised concerns during a social and economic committee meeting early in the conflict, with some members expressing apprehension regarding its potential impact on the group's public image.
The group extends its reach to 16 countries, where local radio stations operate under a 'brand licensing agreement.' This includes a presence in Russia, where NRJ granted a license to Gazprom-Media Holding in early 2021, a large media entity that controls a significant number of TV and radio services within the country.
The reported financial value of this deal with Gazprom-Media Holding, according to independent sources, is approximately €1.25 million and is set to last until December 31, 2025. Gazprom-Media has faced scrutiny for disseminating anti-Ukrainian propaganda and justifying Russia's military actions in Ukraine, a stance that has drawn criticism from various international observers, including the Council of Europe.
As of early 2024, NRJ's Russian operations have expanded to include broadcasts in Donetsk, a city that was annexed by Russia in 2022. Reports indicate that residents in Donetsk are now exposed to a blend of international pop music and advertisements soliciting enlistment in the Russian military.
These broadcasts are supplemented with links to websites and contact numbers for recruitment purposes, positioning the station as an intersection of entertainment and political messaging.
In contradistinction to its operations in Russia, NRJ Group has publicly displayed commitment to humanitarian efforts, citing participation in events aimed at supporting Ukrainian hospitals through the Rire & Chanson channel in 2023.
Upon being contacted regarding the situation in Donetsk, NRJ Group responded with surprise at the reports of its brand being utilized to promote military propaganda.
The company stated that the licensing agreement was established prior to the onset of the conflict in Ukraine and that it does not permit operations in Donetsk, which it recognizes as Ukrainian territory.
NRJ Group also indicated that the contract explicitly prohibits any political messaging.
Over the past months, NRJ has taken steps to terminate the licensing agreement, asserting that the necessary actions are being implemented promptly.
Furthermore, the group has stated that it has ceased obtaining any financial compensation related to the contract since the beginning of the conflict.
Within the company, the continued validity of the contract had previously been discussed and raised concerns during a social and economic committee meeting early in the conflict, with some members expressing apprehension regarding its potential impact on the group's public image.
