Control of Russia’s TV transmission facilities will be separated from pubcaster holding VGTRK, in a move to reduce costs for state-owned stations — pubcaster RTR Channel 2, and 51%-state owned ORT Channel 1 (Public Russian Television).
The government will now cover costs for broadcast for the two stations to cities with populations of less than 200,000. Local estimates are that both channels, which have long-standing debts to the government, could save $35 million-$40 million annually. Private broadcasters will continue to pay existing rates.