First Islamic channel in Russia

The first channel promoting Islam, Al-RTV, has started transmissions in Russia, coinciding with the end of the Ramadan, rapidtvnews.com reports.

Its programming runs via satellite to reach Russian regions of Bashkortostan, Tatarstan and six North Caucasus republics.The channel’s will broadcast  24-hours-per-day, uninterrupted and will be overseen by Rustam Arifdzhanov, Vice President of the Eurasian Academy of Broadcasting.

According to Bashinform news portal, the channel’s public council is made up of representatives of Russian Islamic organisations and is funded by private donations and government grants.Future plans include reaching all members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) nations that previously made up the Soviet Union.

Public board member Albir Krganov said the broadcaster will expand its coverage with the advent of digital television to Russia in 2015.