Zvezda is a Russian state-run television channel in Russia.
Media assets
Television: Zvezda
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
Zvezda is owned by the Russian Ministry of Defense via the company Zvezda Armed Forces Teleradio Company.
Source of funding and budget
Zvezda operates with an annual state subsidy from the federal government budget. In 2020, the channel received RUB 2bn (US$ 27.8m). Zvezda received a state allocation of RUB 1.8bn in each 2021 and 2022, according to media reports.
Editorial independence
According to Russian experts, Zvezda is the most zealous television channel in Russia when it comes to praising the authorities and attacking its enemies. Its reporting is extremely aggressive towards what the Kremlin perceives as its enemies.
No domestic statute and no independent assessment or oversight mechanism to validate the editorial independence of the Zvezda’s media outlets have been identified.
October 2023