Viasat gets Russian cable licences

Modern Times Group-backed channel operator Viasat has received new licences for its pay-TV channels in Russia.

The Russian Federal Service of Supervision of Communications, IT and Mass Communications (Roskomnadzor) has issued regulations requiring international channels to complete a new registration process. Viasat said it has received licences to distribute its Viasat History, Viasat Explorer, TV1000 Russian Kino, TV1000 Action and Viasat Sport channels on Russian cable networks.

Many international channels broadcast in Russia have licences to be carried on satellite systems but not cable and the Roskomnadzor started investigating the situation last year. It has been issuing licences to various international channels in recent weeks.