First HDTV and Roskosmos have launched a channel dedicated to space in partnership with the multiplatform operator Tricolor.
Known as First Space, it includes news from the Russian space industry, popular science programs about the structure of the Universe, thematic feature films and Russian and foreign documentaries. The general information partner of the project is Retro FM, one of the most popular radio stations in Russia.
Commenting on the channel, Maxim Polukin, general director of First HDTV, said: “In the launch of the First Space TV channel, we see an important mission to popularise the space industry and thank our colleagues from the Roscosmos corporation for their trust and responsibility. Moreover, 2021 is a special year for the history of space exploration.
“Of course, there are quite a few TV channels of similar subjects on the market, but First Space will become a pioneer in covering the success of the space industry for a mass audience”.
Nikolai Orlov, deputy DG for content policy at Tricolor, added: “Informational and educational projects always draw special attention from the viewer. The first broadcasts of the launch of rockets from the Baikonur cosmodrome were carried out by Tricolor in 2019 as part of the Big Air online project. Over the past two years, we have recorded a growing audience interest in space topics. Today we are scaling this experience – we are launching a separate thematic channel on satellite TV and online”.
Roscosmos is a state corporation established in August 2015 to carry out a comprehensive reform of the rocket and space industry in Russia, while First HDTV is one of the largest TV companies in Russia, specialising in the production and distribution of thematic channels for satellite and cable broadcasting.
