Ekaterina Eferova

Channel One Russia Worldwide

In Russia, television begins with Channel One Russia. Not only because it is the first button on the TV remote and the top line in ratings. The history of television is inseparable from the history of the country that has determined the leadership of Channel One Russia. Today it is hard to believe that there was a time when only one channel was broadcasting throughout the country — the First Program of the Central State Television. It was watched by 99.8% of the population, from the capital to the most remote areas of Siberia and Russia's Far East. In 1991, the First Program was succeeded by Ostankino State TV and Radio Company. On April 1, 1995, Public Russian Television replaced Ostankino and began operating on the first frequency channel. On September 2, 2002, PRT was rebranded to Channel One Russia. Its international version was later named Channel One Russia Worldwide. On April 1, 2010, Channel One Russia celebrated its 15th anniversary. Having inherited not only the frequency, but also the priceless professional experience of its predecessors, Channel One Russia has remained the undisputed leader of Russian TV broadcasting ever since.