Russian public broadcaster needs more funds, says director

Russia’s recently launched public broadcast channel PTV will run out of money by the end of August unless a new funding solution is found, according to general director Anatoly Lysenko.

In an interview with Russian news site ComNews, Lysenko said that PTV had received only about two thirds of the funds required to launch and operate a channel.

PTV received funding formerly allocated to defence ministry channel Star, which, unlike PTV, had also been allowed to carry advertising. Lysenko said the channel will have spent about RUB700 million by the end of July on creating the necessary technical facilities.

Lysenko said that by the end of Autust the government would have the option of either closing the channel or finding new funds.