Russia’s first public Muslim TV channel, Al-RTV, will go on air in August. The channel is expected to target young and active viewers, Damir Mukhetdinov, the first deputy chair of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of European Russia said on Wednesday.

      "I think we shouldn't slide into ethnographic genre only. We already have such muslim programs on Russian TV - pieces of advice of how to cook national dishes, to play accordion or balalaika, to make skullcaps or muslim dresses. But almost nothing is said about Islam. Many religious figures supported my idea to make more sermons and educational programs about Muslim culture and religion", Mukhetdinov said.

      "The main channel's audience is young people, as Islam changes its face very quickly our days. Young people are more active, they seek new places for life and work, they want to know the world and people. Our main task is to guide them in the area of spiritual and moral values," he added. Mukhetdinov also promised that the channel would be showing programs about other cultures and traditions, as well as films about Russia and its multicultural life.

      The project will be financed through “personal savings of the Al-RTV project's founders, and donations from individuals and businesses". The organizers also expect some state support in the future.

      The channel will be included in a bundle of satellite channels broadcast by Tricolor TV, Russia’s most popular satellite TV operator. There are already two orthodox channels there - Soyuz and Spas (the Saviour).

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