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TV channel fined in Latvia for lack of objectivity in coverage of Ukraine developments

The television channel broadcasts mostly programmes and films of Russia’s Channel One

RIGA, October 23. /TASS/. The Russian-language First Baltic Channel is fined by Latvian authorities for “non-objective coverage” of developments in Ukraine.

The television channel broadcasts mostly programmes and films of Russia’s Channel One (up to 70%).

The Latvian National Council for Electronic Mass Media, which controls television and radio broadcasting companies, said that a 3,600-euro fine was imposed on the TV channel for “repeated broadcasting of one-sided and non-objective information about developments in Ukraine”, adding that it determined the size of the fine taking into consideration that it was a transboundary channel and was penalized more than once before for such violations.

The council also imposed a 700-euro fine on the Auto Radio in Rezekne on the same accusations, explaining that the fine was lower since the radio station broadcasted for a relatively small region and was not fined before.

The council on April 7 this year banned broadcasting of Russia RTR television for three months for signs of “military propaganda” it found in its broadcasts during the period from March 2 to 17.