Russian Defense Ministry stops financing Zvezda TV

The Russian Defense Ministry stops financing military media in 2013-2015, including the Zvezda TV Channel, RIA Novosti cites Vladimir Komoyedov, chairman of the parliamentary committee for defenses.

He reminded that 1.5 billion rubles were spent on military media in 2012. Zvezda TV was the biggest expense.

Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said in September that Zvezda will continue broadcasting without state financing by the ministry. New sources of funds will be found.

Financing of the channel will need about 1.5 billion annually in 2013-2014. Some additional 700 million rubles will need to be issued every year for development of the channel.