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Speaking your language for 88 years

2024 marks the 88th anniversary of the Bulgarian National Radio’s foreign-language service to the world.

It all began on 16 February, 1936. One year after the Bulgarian radio was officially launched, what is now Radio Bulgaria went on the air. It was a Sunday when Radio Sofia’s full morning programme was launched, to reach Europe, North America and North Africa.

Now, 88 years later, Radio Bulgaria is still talking to the world about this country in English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Serbian, Greek, Albanian, Turkish and Bulgarian.

This special section on our website presents intriguing facts from the history of Radio Bulgaria, its golden voices, as well as reminiscences from the people who have worked at Radio Bulgaria through the years.


The fascinating story of the first overseas broadcasts of the BNR - part 1

In 1936 BNR, then under the name of Radio Sofia, started broadcasting on short waves via the ELZA transmitter (the abbreviation coming from the radio station's international code - L-Z-A). The same year the radio started broadcasts to abroad...

published on 4/18/22 4:13 PM

Warm-hearted listener responses to the 86th anniversary of Radio Bulgaria

On the occasion of the 86th anniversary of the first BNR's broadcast abroad, Radio Bulgaria, as its successor since 1992, received letters with congratulations, memories, feedback and recommendations from both long-time listeners and new..

published on 2/18/22 5:18 PM

Sirak Skitnik awards: Radio Bulgaria wins Grand Prix for significant contribution to the development of the BNR

Radio Bulgaria’s daily podcast Bulgaria Today in nine languages won the Grand Prix for significant contribution to the development of the Bulgarian National Radio. The Sirak Skitnik Grand Prix, named after the first director of Radio Sofia,..

published on 1/25/22 9:27 PM

Nominations for Sirak Skitnik Awards are recognition for Radio Bulgaria

Today, the Bulgarian National Radio celebrates its 87th anniversary. Traditionally, on Radio Day - January 25, the winners of the "Sirak Skitnik" award are announced. The annual award of the Bulgarian National Radio was established in 2001 and..

published on 1/25/22 12:28 PM

What is survachka and what do foreigners know about this traditional Bulgarian object?

The multilingual audience of Radio Bulgaria is very well informed about the traditions and culture of this country. This is partly due to the detailed and accessible information that we present to you daily in 10 languages through articles,..

published on 1/19/22 12:56 PM

Do foreigners know the first woman who took part in military flight was Bulgarian?

It turns out that the heroic act of Bulgarian Raina Kasabova is known abroad, according to a survey by Radio Bulgaria among its multilingual audience. "The first woman in the world who participated in a military flight was a Bulgarian..

published on 12/21/21 1:51 PM

Greek and Turkish speaking audience know well the story of legendary song "Izlel e Delyo Haydutin"

We asked the audience of Radio Bulgaria in ten different languages: when did Valya Balkanska record the song "Izlel e Delyo Haydutin", which flew into space? The most popular opinion seen in the answers to the quiz is that the song that..

published on 11/4/21 4:15 PM

Hear the voice of Bulgaria – in 9 languages from Radio Bulgaria

On the website of the Bulgarian National Radio – www.bnr.bg you can now listen to the new podcast of Radio Bulgaria, "Bulgaria Today" in English , German , French , Spanish , Russian , Serbian , Greek , Albanian and Turkish . BNR..

published on 10/6/21 2:50 PM

Most foreigners know where Stefka Kostadinova set her still-standing world record

On the occasion of the 85th anniversary of the first broadcasts of the Bulgarian National Radio abroad, "Radio Bulgaria" launched a quiz with questions from the spheres of Bulgarian culture, history, tourism, sports and music. Last time we asked..

published on 9/21/21 12:54 PM

The news from Bulgaria – every day in nine languages from Radio Bulgaria

"Hear Bulgaria!" is the motto with which the Bulgarian National Radio launches a series of initiatives aimed at promoting Bulgaria among foreigners who are interested in business, education or tourism opportunities here. The first..

published on 9/6/21 10:55 PM