CTC Media is likely to dispose of the services of the leading Russian TV ad sales house Video International (VI).
Kommersant reports that it has been informed that CTC Media, which is backed by Modern Times Group (MTG), has decided to use another company to sell airtime on the TV channels CTC, Domashny and DTV. The name of this company is likely to be revealed on Thursday (August 5), when CTC Media reports its latest results.
Although VI currently controls around 70% of the TV ad sales market in Russia, the figure will be halved to 35% from January 1 next year in accordance with amendments to the Law on Advertising enacted in late 2009.
VI is expected to retain such clients as Channel One, Russia’s leading station, and the National Media Group. It will also probably continue to have a commercial relationship with CTC Media through the provision of what are described as “consulting services”.
