Severodvinsk TV channel closed
The independent TV channel TVS in Severodvinsk is closed after a controversy about which topics the TV channel could cover.
The controversy between the editor and the owners of TVS escalated last Friday when the general director of the company handed over an order to the editorial management with a clear message that they are no longer allowed to broadcast their own-made programmes, writes Novaya Gazeta.
It was not possible to access the web-site TVS on Friday morning. But the of Severodvinsk city has a blog (only in Russian) devoted to the onging conflict in the TVS.
Election campaign
A short message on the TV channels own web-site earlier this week stated that TVS is not allowed to broadcast news about the election campaign and candidates for mayors. Also information about swindlers at schools, about salary-problems in kindergartens and many other things are not allowed to broadcast information about.
City Council statement
On Wednesday this week the City Council of Severodvinsk adopted a statement concerning the conflict at TVS. In the statement the Council of deputies of Severodvinsk expresses serious concern … TVS is the unique city television company broadcasting to all Severodvinsk, the suspension of its activity will lead to an irreplaceable blank in respect of informing the citizens of Severodvinsk about the life in the city and of course of the election campaign for mayor and deputies of various levels, says the statement.
Naval yards
Severodvinsk is a city with restricted access due to its two huge naval yards for building and repairs of naval vessels, among them Russia’s fleet of nuclear powered submarines. Located by the coast of the White Sea in Arkhangelsk Oblast it is one of the biggest cities in the Barents Region with some 190.000 inhabitants.
The 35 employees still go to work, but according to Novaya Gazeta the editorial staff can not produce any news. Someone sleeps, someone irons linen, they all agree not to leave the building.
