The international channels division of U.S. mass media group NBCUniversal has decided to leave the Russian market after a law came into effect banning advertising on cable channels, a news report said Friday.
Since Jan. 1, pay-to-watch television channels have been barred from broadcasting advertisements in Russia. The widely censured bill raced through parliament last summer even as the heads of cable channels warned that it would put 150 channels on the brink of extinction.
“Due to the deterioration of the economic situation for our premium channels (Universal Channel and E! Entertainment Television) in Russia, Universal Networks International has decide to cease its activities on the Russian market,” the company said in a statement received by news agency RIA Novosti.
Cable news channel CNN said in November that it too would pull out of Russia from Jan. 1.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.