Radio Bulgaria’s English Service: A legacy of distinguished voices

Nine decades ago, in 1936, the first pilot broadcasts began from Radio Sofia, successor to the public Rodno Radio founded in 1930. Shortly afterwards, Radio Sofia started broadcasting to regions beyond Bulgaria.

Today, these programmes are united under the name Radio Bulgaria – the international service of the Bulgarian National Radio.

Radio Bulgaria provides journalistic content for the Bulgarian diaspora and for international audiences interested in the country and the region. The service is active on digital platforms and social media in 11 languages. The trust of its listeners and readers worldwide remains its highest recognition.

The English service was launched soon after the first international broadcasts to Europe, North Africa and North America. Initially aired in Esperanto, the programmes later expanded to French, German, English and Italian.

In its early years, foreign-language editions were produced by freelance contributors, including the distinguished broadcaster Petar Uvaliev, who prepared the Italian-language programmes, and the opera director Mihail Hadzhimishev, who presented English-language content. James Baker, Lord Carrington and Prince Philip were among the distinguished interviewees in the English-language programmes.

Radio Bulgaria’s English broadcasts reach audiences worldwide. The editorial team covers news and current affairs, alongside programmes dedicated to Bulgaria’s history, culture, tourism and contemporary life. Bulgarian folklore and contemporary music remain an integral part of the programming.

Many prominent figures in Bulgaria began part of their professional path in the English section.

Raina Konstantinova started in the English Service, responsible for correspondence with listeners. She later became Director of Radio Bulgaria, Deputy Director of Bulgarian National Radio, and Director of the Radio Department at the European Broadcasting Union. On a previous anniversary she said:

“Radio Bulgaria is not simply a part of the Bulgarian media; it is a unique institution with high standards of journalism. To me it is more than a workplace — it is a place where the world comes into touch with a genuine Bulgaria, with all its uniqueness and complexity. During the first decade of the 21st century radio became global, fulfilling the aspirations of many generations of broadcasters.”

CNN anchor Ralitsa Vassileva was also part of the English section. She joined the service in 1987 as a translator and announcer before continuing her professional career at CNN International.

Long-time journalist Todor Tokin dedicated 15 years to the Central Information Service — Radio Bulgaria’s reporting team — and to the English-language editorial office. “We had a very rich programme,” he recalled. Alongside daily news and commentary, there was a weekly show, Top of Bulgarian Pops, presenting the ten most popular Bulgarian songs.

Among the professionals in the English-language team were distinguished figures from Bulgaria’s music and film scene.

Pop singer Theodore Shishmanov, founding member of Tonika SV, worked in the English section between 1985 and 1988. He joined the multilingual service with the encouragement of rock musician Georgi Minchev, who collaborated with the French section. Shishmanov served as an editor and contributed to music programmes, including a weekly pop chart and a monthly show presented by Minchev.

Djoko Rosic, the actor known for his distinctive voice, was part of the foreign-language programmes for 17 years. He later became a celebrated screen actor. In a 2002 interview, he reflected:

“Only those with a perfect command of languages could do the job — and they were intellectuals. That is why many dissidents later emerged from Foreign Broadcasts. From today’s perspective, one might say that we were producing propaganda for a party or a regime, but I am not ashamed of a single line I wrote during that period.”

Listeners and readers have always been active participants in our broadcasts. Their letters, suggestions and critical remarks remain an important part of our work.

Malik Allah Bachaya from Pakistan writes:

“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for your radio program, which I listen to regularly. Your programs are very informative and meaningful. Each broadcast brings valuable knowledge that helps listeners understand the world better. The variety of segments — news, features, culture, music and current affairs — keeps listeners engaged. Listening to your broadcasts strengthens international friendship and understanding.”

Najim Uddin from West Bengal, India, writes:

“Bulgarian National Radio has continually reformed its content and format, putting the audience at the center. Information is delivered from different angles, with public interaction and debate. The BNR provides up-to-date and accurate news on major political events and issues of public concern. Its commentaries on global issues are in-depth and unbiased.”

Muhammad Aqeel Bashir from Pak Listeners Club, Pakistan, writes:

“I want to sincerely thank you for the programs shared throughout 2025. Every broadcast felt meaningful. Your dedication and efforts are evident in the quality of your work. Your station presents a true and positive picture of your country to the world and builds a close connection with listeners across countries.”

Carol Marrone from Springfield, Massachusetts, writes:

“I want to thank all the staff at the English program of Radio Bulgaria. Your programs — especially the folklore programs — are wonderful, and I have learned much from visiting your site and listening to the news and folk songs.”

Journalist Chrissy Brand from Great Britain says:

“I listen with interest to the news, especially local and national stories rarely heard elsewhere. I value hearing the voices of ordinary citizens — how they live and what concerns them. That gives me a sense of the country itself. The music is also important — both folk and contemporary — and Radio Bulgaria helps that music reach wider audiences.”

Jayanta Chakrabarti from India is among the longest-standing listeners of Radio Bulgaria, having followed its broadcasts for nearly 56 years, dating back to the days of Radio Sofia. He writes:

“I am proud to say that I have been a loyal listener for almost 56 years, since it was known as ‘Radio Sofia’. Radio Bulgaria has been a window to Bulgaria through which I have gained valuable knowledge about its rich history, culture, traditions and modern economic development.”

It is with gratitude that we receive our listeners’ feedback. Their engagement has remained a constant over the years and continues to shape our work today.

Editor: E. Radkova