Mass Media

Since the late 1980's, when the first independent newspapers appeared, both the circulation and contents of newspapers and magazines have undergone considerable changes, including the active process of privatisation. Popular newspapers include "Diena" (Day), "Neatkariga Rita Avize" (Independent Morning Paper), and the Russian language SM "Sevodnja" (SM Today). "The Baltic Times" is an English language weekly published in Riga. Latvian State Television broadcasts two channels. Several independent TV stations have begun to broadcast several hours daily over Latvia's airwaves, and with cable subscriptions or satellite services, broadcasts of networks from many other countries can also be viewed. Latvian State radio broadcasts on three channels in Latvian and Russian, but several private AM and FM stations have also appeared, developing a considerably competitive market.