Russia wants to limit foreign capital in the media
Moscow wants to limit the influence of foreign capital on Russian media. On Thursday, State Duma Chairman Sergei Naryshkin welcomed a corresponding bill.
According to this law, foreign investors may only hold 20 percent of shares in Russian media companies. Naryshkin justified the law with national security interests. Media critical of the Kremlin in particular have been under increasing pressure for years. The new law is reportedly intended to prevent Western investors from influencing editorial content.
Until now, there has been no limit on foreign capital in Russian print media; foreigners may hold a maximum of 50 percent of shares in radio and TV stations. In addition to radio and television, the new law would also include print and online media.
The State Duma is due to vote on the law next Tuesday. Observers expect that it could come into force on January 1, 2016. (SDA)
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