RT America, the US subsidiary of the Russia-backed media house RT, announced that it will cease its operations, after one of its two major satellite carriers in the country dropped the television network on Tuesday.
A memo from T&R Productions, the company behind Russia’s RT, read, “As a result of unforeseen business interruption events, T&R Productions, LLC, will be ceasing production and, therefore must lay off most of its staff who work at all its locations (Miami FL, New York NY, Los Angeles CA, Washington DC). Unfortunately, we anticipate this layoff will be permanent, meaning that this will result in the permanent separation from employment of most T&R employees at all locations.”
The memo added that the termination of employment will happen on or around May 3.
The move follows news of DirecTV cutting off ties with RT America. A spokesperson for DirecTV said, “In line with our previous agreement with RT America, we are accelerating this year’s contract expiration timeline and will no longer offer their programming effective immediately.” The agreement was due for renewal later this year.
Aside from DirecTV, DISH is the other major television provider for RT America, and even though it has not explicitly stated anything about continuing to carry the network, DISH voiced its support for Ukraine and said it is “closely monitoring the situation.”
Roku, the hardware company and streamer, has banned RT America from its platform as well.
The Russian state and its affiliated media and other entities have faced boycott from various organisations after the country launched a full-scale attack on Ukraine on February 24. From levying economic sanctions to diminishing Russia’s presence on social media, several measures are underway to isolate the country and put pressure on Kremlin to end the war.
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As Russia’s war against Ukraine entered its second week, YouTube barred Russian creators from earning revenues from ads on its platform. YouTube spokesperson Farshad Shadloo said that videos from these channels will also feature low on recommendations. He added that the Russian media agency RT and several other channels would no longer be accessible in Ukraine, owing to a request from the Ukrainian government.
Earlier, Facebook also blocked Russian state media from running ads and monetising content on the platform.
Recently, major Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros, Disney, Sony, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures have also distanced themselves from Russia and stalled the release of their upcoming films in the country. Netflix too has paused all future projects and acquisitions in Russia, including those in post-production.