Discovery has just stated that it will suspend broadcasting of its channels and services in Russiajoining a growing number of companies that are withdrawing from the country in response to the invasion ofUkraine. Fifteen of Discovery’s entertainment brands, including HGTV, Animal Planet, TLC ed Eurosportare distributed through Media Alliance, a joint venture with the Russian National Media Group.
Discovery suspends broadcasting in Russia
The company did not use any kind of turn of phrase, as can be read clearly in the official statement: “Discovery has decided to suspend the transmission of its channels and services in Russia”, obviously this in response to the intensification of Russian war actions in Ukrainewhich are further intensifying the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country.
The announcement comes as the CNNthe BBC and other broadcasters have already suspended broadcasts from Russia in response to a new law that threatens journalists with jail for spreading “fake” news about what the Kremlin describes as a “special military operation”, trying to censor information from the rest of the world for Russian citizens.
National Media Group has also partnered with Netflix, which at the end of 2020 launched a version of the service with Russian subtitles, films produced in the country and offered local payment options. Netflix suspended its Russian service on Sunday, lining up with all the other companions who have done the same over the past few days.