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CNN International negotiating its coming back to Russia with Russian mass media watchdog

In November 2014, CNN International notified Russian operators about its withdrawal from Russian cable networks from December 31, 2014

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Turner Broadcasting International (incorporated in Time Warner), the owner of the CNN International news channel, which withdrew from Russian cable networks from December 31, 2014, has entered in talks with Russia’s oversight authority in the sphere of the mass media (Roskomnadzor) to resume CNN International broadcasting in Russia, a source close to Roskomnadzor told TASS on Monday.

“CNN representatives initiated a meeting with Roskomnadzor head Alexander Zharov. The meeting was to be held in late December but it was postponed. It may be organized after January 20,” the source said. Another source aware of Turner Broadcasting plans has confirmed to TASS that “talks are underway,” but did not say who were involved in the consultations.

Turner Broadcasting press service refused to provide any comment, as did Roskomnadzor representative Vadim Ampelonsky.

In November 2014, CNN International notified Russian operators about its withdrawal from Russian cable networks from December 31, 2014. In view of the latest changes to Russian legislation regulating the operation of mass media Turner International said it was considering alternative opportunities for broadcasting in Russia. The company did not clarify the exact reason for CNN International’s withdrawal from Russia, but a ban on commercials on pay television came in force from January 1, 2015. CNN was broadcast by Russian operators of pay cable and satellite television, including Akado, Vimpelcom, NTV+, and others.