Russian Federation

[RU] Statute Limiting Foreign Ownership of TV Enters into Force

IRIS 2001-9:1/25

Natalie Boudarina

Moscow Media Law and Policy Centre

On 4 August 2001, the Russian President signed an addendum to the Mass Media Statute of 1991. The Statute entered into force in 9 August 2001. The new article (191) concerns foreign citizens, stateless persons, those with dual citizenship, as well as foreign legal entities and Russian legal entities of which more than fifty percent of the capital is held by foreign legal entities.

These persons and entities shall be prohibited from founding TV broadcasting companies if they cover more than half of Russian population or half of its provinces. In addition, selling shares in TV broadcasting organizations, if the transaction results in more than fifty percent participation in mass media of foreign entities is also prohibited. Registration and statutory documents shall be brought into line with the provisions of the Statute not later than twelve months after the statute enters into force.