Roskomnadzor opens applications for vacant second multiplex slot

Russian regulator Roskomnadzor is to invite applications to take a vacant slot on the country’s second digital-terrestrial multiplex after state-owned broadcaster RTR unexpectedly withdrew its Sport channel from the platform, according to local reports.

According to Roskomnadzor, the new channel must air round the clock free-to-air and carry a minimum of 55% Russian produced programming.

Last year the regulator announced 10 successful applicants for the second multiplex. In addition to RTR’s Sport, these were Ren TV, TV Tsentr, CTC, Domashniy, NTV+’s Sport+, Zvezda, Mir, TNT and Muz-TV. Following a presidential order that TV Tsentr should be included in the first multiplex, Russian Orthodox channel SPAS TV secured the vacant slot.