Russia-24

Russia-24, also known as Rossiya-24 and RTR-Planeta, is a Russian state‑run television channel that delivers continuous news programming. It transmits a combination of live news bulletins, analytical talk shows, documentaries and special reports, primarily in the Russian language, with the aim of informing viewers about developments within the country and abroad. The channel operates on a 24‑hour schedule, allowing uninterrupted coverage of breaking events as well as regular feature segments. Its content spans politics, economics, culture and social affairs, often reflecting the official viewpoint of the Russian government. Production draws on a network of correspondents positioned in various Russian regions and in overseas bureaus, enabling the channel to gather material from multiple locations. Distribution is carried out through terrestrial transmitters, satellite uplinks, cable systems and internet streaming, making the service accessible to audiences inside Russia and to viewers abroad who receive the signal via international satellite beams. The channel’s output is intended for a broad public that seeks timely updates and in‑depth analysis of current affairs.

Distinguishing attributes of Russia-24 include its status as a 24‑hour news outlet owned by the Russian state, which situates it among the official media tasked with disseminating government information. It is a constituent of the All‑Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK), the largest state‑holding in the country’s media sector, and therefore functions under direct governmental oversight. This affiliation provides the channel with access to extensive resources, including a nationwide reporter corps and the technical infrastructure required for satellite transmission and digital streaming. Notably, the channel has been targeted by cyber‑operations, such as the September 2022 broadcast intrusion claimed by pro‑Ukrainian hackers and the June 2021 DDoS attack that disrupted a presidential phone‑in event, underscoring its prominence as a platform in the information sphere. These incidents highlight the channel’s role not only as a news provider but also as a focal point in the broader geopolitical contest over narrative control. Ownership is explicitly state‑based, with the Russian federal government exercising ultimate authority over VGTRK and, consequently, over Russia‑24.