CNN to suspend Russia broadcasting over new law tightening media curbs

[Annihilation]

CNN to suspend Russia broadcasting over new law tightening media curbs

PUBLISHED : Tuesday, 11 November, 2014, 8:58pm
UPDATED : Wednesday, 12 November, 2014, 4:01am

Agence France-Presse in Washington

CNN will suspend broadcasting in Russia. Photo: EPA

CNN will suspend broadcasting in Russia "in light of recent changes in Russian media legislation" which aim to tighten media controls.

A statement issued on Monday by CNN International parent Turner International, which is part of the Time Warner conglomerate, offered no specific timetable, but the Tass news agency reported earlier that broadcasts would cease from December 31.

A new law limits foreign ownership of media to 20 per cent, threatening some of the country's most respected independent media outlets.

"We hope to re-enter the market in due course, and will notify our partners of any update about resuming these services," the statement said. CNN is seen through cable and satellite firms in Russia.

The statement noted that the CNN Moscow bureau operation, which covers Russia for the cable news operation, was "unaffected".