CNN to suspend service in Russia

Washington- CNN said Monday it was suspending
broadcasting in Russia “in light of recent changes in
Russian media legislation,” which aim to tighten control
on independent news media.
A statement from 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 as of December 31.
“Turner International is assessing its distribution
options for CNN in Russia in light of recent changes in
Russian media legislation,” the Turner statement said.
“We are bringing our existing distribution relationships
to an end while we do that. We hope to re-enter the
market in due course, and will notify our partners of
any update about resuming these services.”
The statement noted that the CNN Moscow bureau
operation, which covers Russia for the cable news
operation, was “unaffected.”
The move comes with Russian President Vladimir Putin
increasingly at odds with independent news media,
especially over coverage of the Ukraine crisis.
A new law limits foreign ownership of media to 20
percent, threatening some of the country’s most
respected independent media outlets.
The largest media organizations in Russia are owned
by the state or controlled by Putin associates.
CNN is seen through cable and satellite firms in
Russia.