Russia’s Public Television started broadcasting on May 19, offering TV viewers newscasts, films, entertainment and cognitive programs for free and without any commercials.

      The new TV channel has become accessible in the networks of all operators of cable, satellite and IP-television. The TV channel can also be watched by accessing its website at otr-online.ru.

      The idea of setting up public television in Russia whose policy would be governed by public opinion was put forward by then-President Dmitry Medvedev in late December 2011 as an answer to mass street protests and a criticism about their coverage in the state-owned media.

      Public TV, known in Russian as OTR, will be funded by the government and later with private donations. The channel is expected to work in a testing mode until September 2013.