More channels than previously have escaped the advertising ban on cable and satellite-delivered services that came into effect in Russia at the beginning of this year.
AKTR and top.rbc report that this is thanks to Roskomnadzor issuing 40 licences at the end of 2014 to services operated by the First Channel, RTR and Gazprom-Media.
Several channels were already exempt to the amendments to the law On Advertising.
They included all 10 carried on the first DTT multiplex, as defined by presidential decree, along with cable and satellite services that also use limited frequencies for DTT distribution.
However, their number has now been significantly increased. Some sources say that the ban is now being viewed as a mistake and could in due course be lifted.
