American television channel Comedy Central is set to make its debut in the Russian market in April, Kommersant reported Tuesday.
The U.S. channel already broadcasts in many European markets, including Germany, Spain and Hungary. Earlier this year the channel's owner Viacom announced its intention to launch the channel in Asian and Latin American markets.
In its home market, the channel has become known for its flagship programs The Daily Show and The Colbert Report, hosted by comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert respectively, who have become influential liberal voices in the American media.
Representatives from the channel have already met with market players in Russia but do not yet have a broadcasting license, Kommersant reported.
Analysts told the newspaper that Comedy Central may purchase an already existing Russian channel in order to enter the market and named humor network 2x2 as a possible acquisition target.
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.
