International channels secure licences ahead of deadline

About 50 major international TV channels have secured licences to broadcast in Russia ahead of the regulator’s September deadline to complete the process, according to local reports.

Last year, the Russian Federal Service of Supervision of Communications, IT and Mass Communications (Roskomnadzor) issued regulations requiring international channels to complete a new registration process. Many international channels broadcast in Russia previously had licences to be carried on satellite systems but not cable. Among the broadcasters to secure permission to broadcast are Discovery, Fox, Turner, Viasat Broadcasting and Disney.

According to the reports, about 14 broadcasters have been taken off the air after failing to complete the licensing process.