Netflix is to include Russian state channels in its program. However, because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the streaming service refuses and could therefore be switched off.
In Russia, broadcasters and services that are registered with the media supervisory authority Roskomnadzor are obliged to include Russian state broadcasters in their programs if they are of a certain size. Netflix also has to comply with the requirements in Russia. Due to the Ukraine war, the provider is now drawing its own conclusions.
Netflix opposes war in Ukraine
The obligation to broadcast by Russian state channels affects all programs and services with a broadcasting license that have more than 100,000 users a day. The streaming giant easily achieves this and is supposed to broadcast the programs of a total of 20 state broadcasters in Russia, including “Channel One”, “NTV” and “Spas”. Netflix was informed of this in December 2021 by the media regulator Roskomnadzor. The switch should take place in March 2022. But the streaming service does not comply with this request, as a spokesman according to “Politico.com” clarifies: “Due to the current situation [Krieg in der Ukraine, Anm. d. Redaktion] we have no plans to add these channels to our programming.
The possible consequences for the streaming giant are relatively clear. If Roskomnadzor is opposed, Netflix can also expect to have its broadcasting license revoked in Russia. The “Deutsche Welle” recently had to find out that this is quite likely. The German foreign broadcaster was banned from broadcasting a few weeks ago. This was Russia’s response to Germany’s refusal to grant a broadcasting license for the state broadcaster RT DE.
This case makes it clear that Russia is not hesitating. There are around one million Netflix users in the country. With around 144 million inhabitants, this is only a small part. For comparison: In Germany, the streaming service has over 10 million users with around 83 million inhabitants.
March 7 update: Netflix is ceasing operations in Russia
In view of the current developments, Netflix has now decided to no longer offer its service in Russia for the time being. Earlier last week, the company halted acquisitions in Russia and halted production of original programs in the country, including an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. It is unclear how the shooting of the four Russian-language series currently in production will continue.
In terms of subscriber numbers, Russia is not one of the most important markets for Netflix. With its withdrawal, the provider follows numerous other companies that are ceasing their services due to the attack on Ukraine and the resulting sanctions in the country. TikTok also announced at the weekend that it would suspend its video function in Russia because of the Russian law against the spread of “fake news” about the Ukraine war. “We have no choice but to suspend live streaming and uploading of new content (…) until we have investigated the possible safety implications for TikTok employees and users,” the company said on Sunday. The TikTok messenger service can therefore continue to be used.
Against the background of the Ukraine invasion, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law last Friday that provides for draconian prison sentences for unpopular reporting on the Russian army. Up to 15 years imprisonment threatens accordingly for the spreading of “false news” about the army. Foreigners are also affected by the law.
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Help and solidarity for Ukraine
What is happening in Ukraine right now is terrible. Many families are forced to leave their homes and flee the war. This is traumatic for everyone, but especially for the children. The BILD aid organization “Ein Herz für Kinder” would therefore like to help and is asking for donations together with the local project partners such as the aid organization “humedica” and the action alliance for disaster relief.
If you would like to help and donate, you will find all the information here.
Every cent of your donation reaches the affected children without any deductions!
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With material from the dpa.