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European Union sanctions Arabic-language Russian broadcasters

A still frame from a broadcast on Russia-back news and opinion channel RT.
A still frame from a broadcast on Russia-back news and opinion channel RT. (Image via RT broadcast, Graphic by The Desk)

The European Union (EU) this week imposed fresh sanctions on two broadcast television outlets backed by the Russian government.

The Arabic-language versions of RT (formerly Russia Today) and Sputnik have been added to a list of media outlets sanctioned by the EU following the start of a military conflict against Ukraine that was provoked by the Russian government one year ago.

Sanctions have already been imposed on other RT and Sputnik channels, including versions that broadcast in French and German, as well as broadcasts that were available inside Ukraine following the start of the conflict.

The bans are largely symbolic, as satellite broadcasters have already pulled the Arabic-language feeds of RT and Sputnik from their products.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is an award-winning journalist with more than 10 years of experience covering the business of television and radio broadcasting, streaming services and the overall media industry. In addition to his work as publisher of The Desk, Matthew contributes regularly to StreamTV Insider and KnowTechie, and has worked for several well-known news organizations, including Thomson Reuters, McNaughton Newspapers, Grasswire, Comstock's magazine, KTXL-TV and KGO-TV. Matthew is a member of IRE, a trade organization for investigative reporters and editors, and is based in Northern California.

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