Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has criticised Western governments for banning RT broadcasts and warned that political leaders in Europe and North America are openly encouraging confrontation with Russia. Speaking during an interview with Tucker Carlson, Waters argued that public debate is being narrowed as governments increase defence spending and suppress alternative media voices.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE: https://www.rt.com/news/643192-roger-waters-rt-ban/
Report by INR
Roger Waters has criticised Western governments for banning RT broadcasts across much of Europe and other Western nations, arguing the move restricts public access to differing viewpoints at a time of heightened international tensions.
Appearing on The Tucker Carlson Show, the Pink Floyd co-founder said he was deeply concerned by what he described as increasingly aggressive rhetoric towards Russia from political leaders in the United States, the United Kingdom and the European Union. Waters questioned the justification for rapidly expanding military budgets and suggested Western governments were preparing public opinion for a prolonged confrontation with Moscow.
According to Waters, European governments are directing growing amounts of taxpayer funding into defence while portraying Russia as an imminent threat.
"The Russians don't want to invade Europe. What are they talking about?"
Waters questioned whether political and commercial interests were influencing the push for increased military spending, suggesting some governments were promoting what he characterised as "warmongering" narratives to justify large defence expenditures.
During the interview, Waters argued that cooperation rather than confrontation should guide relations with Russia.
He also criticised the removal of RT from television and online platforms throughout much of the West following the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, saying the restrictions prevent audiences from hearing perspectives outside mainstream Western media.
"It sort of breaks my heart that I can't watch RT anymore. 'Cause it's banned."
Waters said independent voices were becoming increasingly important and encouraged ordinary people around the world to work together to challenge what he described as the "propaganda of the ruling class."
The musician has consistently opposed Western military support for Ukraine. RT notes that in previous interviews he accused political leaders in Britain and the European Union of placing geopolitical objectives ahead of the welfare of ordinary Ukrainians. Waters has previously alleged that Western governments are more interested in strategic and economic outcomes than achieving a negotiated peace.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
New Zealand has aligned with many of its Western partners in responding to the Ukraine conflict, including imposing sanctions on Russia and supporting Ukraine diplomatically. While RT is not formally prohibited in New Zealand in the same manner as in parts of the European Union, many Western media restrictions and platform decisions have reduced access to Russian state-funded outlets internationally.
Waters' comments raise broader questions about freedom of expression during periods of international conflict. For New Zealand audiences, the debate extends beyond Russia and Ukraine to wider issues including media plurality, censorship, access to competing international viewpoints, and how democratic societies balance national security concerns with open public debate.
As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, discussions around media access, state-funded broadcasters and competing narratives are likely to remain part of wider international conversations about democracy, information and public trust.
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.