Russian TV and radio broadcasting network plans gradual cutoff of analog TV in 2014-2017

Deputy Director General on management, operation and development and network “Russian TV and radio broadcasting network” Viktor Pinchuk informed that TV analog signals will be gradually cut off in Russia in the period of 2014-2017 at a press conference in IT-park.

He said that simultaneous broadcasting of digital and analog channels for a long time is not reasonable because of doubled expenses and network load.

Besides, Russia has international commitments by the agreement GE-06 under which transfer to digital TV must be completed by June 17 2015.

Viktor Pinchuk noted that in accordance with the concept of analog broadcasting cut-off, after building the digital TV network public awareness campaign must be conducted in regions within 18 months. Besides, proposals regarding support of socially unsecured groups of people in terms of gaining access to digital TV are to be developed.

Deputy Director General reminded that currently the first multiplex includes the following Russian channels compulsory for all: “Channel one Russia”, “Russia-1”, “Russia-2”, “NTV”, “Petersburg - 5th Channel", “Russia-K’, “Russia 24” and “Karusel”. He believes it would be a good motivation for population in terms of transfer to digital broadcasting.

The federal special-purpose program “Development of TV broadcasting in Russia for 2009-2015” implies that by 2015 digital broadcasting should cover 100 percent of the Russian territory.