Regulator throws lifeline to Raduga TV

Russian satellite pay TV operator Raduga TV has been granted two licences to operate new channels by the country’s media regulator the Roskomnadzor.

The operator has been granted licences to operate Raduga 24 and Otbornoye TV (Choice TV).

The move will enable Raduga TV to apply for a universal broadcasting licence, the lack of which led to Raduga TV being investigated for criminal liability last year.

Raduga TV, a joint venture between Modern Times Group and Continental Multimedia, referred to the country’s ministry of justice for operating without a valid licence in November.

DalGeoKom, the operating company for Raduga TV, reportedly said at the time that the company had repeatedly asked for a new licence but that it had not been granted, while Roskomnadzor said that it not received the necessary documents.