Television in Russia - statistics & facts
Russia is the 11th-largest TV advertising market worldwide, with its spending estimated at 3.6 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Consumption of television in its traditional form varies between generations, with younger audiences spending less time in front of the TV, as they prefer online services and social media for news and entertainment. Broadcasters engage with the internet-savvy audience by offering additional content on their apps or online video platforms.
Television in Russia continues to be dominated by media outlets with state ownership. In recent years, the major trends shaping the industry have been digitalization and the exit of major Western advertisers.
What are the most popular TV channels in Russia?
The Russian TV industry, taking its roots from the Soviet Union, underwent major restructuring in the 1990s. Numerous public and private channels emerged, and digital TV was embraced by households in the 2000s. The state-owned channel Russia 1 and co-owned Channel One are the most-watched in the country. Throughout the day, their regular programming includes morning shows, panel discussions about politics, societal problems, and health, melodramas and crime series, as well as talk and entertainment shows. On weekends and public holidays, Russian TV channels tend to broadcast live and recorded concerts. Among multiplex entertainment channels, CTC and TNT are known for comedy series and entertainment shows. Karusel and Disney Channel are popular TV channels for children.Russian TV during the war in Ukraine
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union (EU) banned state-sponsored channels RT, Sputnik, RTR Planeta, Russia 24, and TV Centre International, on its territory. Several Western countries also stopped broadcasting some other channels, such as NTV and Channel One. Furthermore, Russian media left the European Broadcasting Union (EU). Channel One and Russia 1 changed their schedules to prioritize socio-political shows over entertainment programs, though their continued broadcasting entertainment shows. The Russian TV advertising industry has experienced drastic changes since the war in Ukraine, as major foreign brands suspended their operations in Russia. However, after a decline in 2022, the country's TV advertising spending peaked in 2023.Digitalization of television in Russia
Russia completed its national digital television transition program in 2019, raising the minimum reach of the technology to 98.4 percent. In general, Russian TV viewers get free access to two multiplex packages with 20 channels as well as regional channels. Other programs can be purchased from cable, satellite, and IPTV providers. Over the past decade, the penetration rate of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) continuously increased, and in 2028, it was forecast to reach almost 24 percent. Furthermore, more and more Russian households subscribed to pay TV services.Television in Russia continues to be dominated by media outlets with state ownership. In recent years, the major trends shaping the industry have been digitalization and the exit of major Western advertisers.
