Two main government TV channels, the First and VGTRK – will create a joint satellite sports channel for cable broadcasting which they plan to distribute on all existing satellite platforms. The major lineup of the channel will include the coverage of important international events the title for which is held by the First Channel and by VGTRK. Now their capacity will be united within the framework of one sports channel. The channel, in particular, will offer the coverage of all events of the Soccer World Cup in South Africa this year.

Sergey Sitnikov, the head of Roskomnadzor, ordered regional department offices of his service to stop «illegal distribution of TV channels» which would not have necessary permits and licenses by March 1, 2010. This is disclosed in the message of the Russia’s Cable TV Association (ACTR) sent to the heads of companies holding rights for the produce of foreign channels, the Vedomosty daily writes.

The Russia-2 TV channel which starts broadcasting on the frequency of the present Sport channel will not terminate contracts for the broadcasting of sports events signed by its predecessor, Oleg Dobrodeyev, the CEO of the All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, said. According to Dobrodeyev, the broadcasting of major sports events will go on for at least two or three years. Dobrodeyev did not confirm that the channel will retain its sports programming by the end of this period. At the same time he said that the channel will give maximum air-time for the Vancouver Olympics in February.