United States Agency for Global Media

Washington, D.C. — In response to the growing need for reliable Russian-language news and information in Central and Eastern Europe, the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) announced it is expanding its satellite distribution of Current Time TV. 

Current Time is a 24/7 Russian-language television and digital network, providing live news, robust debate, and fact-based reporting on local, regional, and international issues, aimed at audiences in Russia, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and around the world. It is produced by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in collaboration with Voice of America.  

“There is a growing appetite across Europe for a reliable and fact-based Russian-language alternative to Kremlin-controlled information,” said USAGM CEO Amanda Bennett. “I’m thrilled to be able to reach more audiences — including the Russian diaspora — with this award-winning programming.”

Demand for the mix of unique feature and documentary programming that Current Time offers is expanding in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltics, and beyond. In the months following Russia’s invasion, Current Time signed over 50 new media partners in countries like Estonia, Lithuania, and Moldova — just as media outlets in those countries were dropping Russia’s RT. Current Time television content is also complemented by a robust and popular digital component that engages and connects with global audiences via social media and other platforms. Since the war began in February 2022, Current Time’s online videos have been viewed an unprecedented 4 billion times. 

Following an agreement with Luxembourg-based M7 Group, owned by CANAL+ Group and one of Europe’s leading pay TV providers, Current Time TV will be distributed free-to-air on ASTRA 19.2, via subscription service through Eutelsat 9B and will soon be available as a linear OTT channel via the M7 platforms in Hungary (Direct One) and Romania (Focus Sat), as well.