UK revokes broadcasting license from Russian broadcaster RT – International

The British media regulator (Ofcom) on Friday (18) announced the withdrawal of its broadcasting license from Russian state broadcaster RT.

“Ofcom today revoked RT’s license to broadcast in the UK, with immediate effect,” it said in a statement, adding that the channel did not consider it “appropriate” to operate in the UK.

The decision follows a similar veto issued by the European Union (EU) earlier this month as part of Western sanctions against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The station near the Kremlin has been blocked in the UK in recent weeks as a result of the EU decision, as RT’s transfers to British bases depend on signals sent by companies managed by companies in Europe.

However, as of this Friday, the Ofcom channel has not yet been licensed. The organization said the decision came amid 29 open inquiries into “the impartiality of RT’s news and … its coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”

In the past, Ofcom has already fined RT £ 200,000 ($ 263,000) for failing to perform an impartial duty.

The Kremlin’s veto will lead to similar rulings against British channels operating in Russia, such as the BBC and Sky News.