Control of the religious-oriented channel Spas has passed entirely into the hands of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Kommersant reports that this follows the departure of a number of minority shareholders including Gennady Lysak, one of the founders.
As a result, the Church has been able to raise its stake from 51% to 100%. Negotiations will now take place with RTRS over the fees it will be charged for distribution on the federal multiplex.
The Church will also seek to have the channel’s licence changed so that it can carry advertising.
According to TNS, Spas had an audience share of 0.2% in the first 11 months of this year.
