DirecTV Launches ‘RussianDirect’ Package

DirecTV Inc. Thursday launched 24-hour Russian-language programming package “RussianDirect.”

RussianDirect will include Channel One Russia Worldwide, movie network Dom Kino, retro channel Vremya and music and entertainment service Muzika Pervogo.

The direct-broadcast satellite provider also announced that it will launch another Russian channel, RTR Planeta, on an a-la-carte basis Friday.

“With more than 2.2 million Russians living in the United States, there is a huge need for quality programming that is relevant to the Russian community’s lifestyles and interests,” DirecTV International vice president Aaron McNally said in a prepared statement.

“By partnering with Channel One Russia and RTR, DirecTV will not only be able to offer two of Russia's highest-rated channels, but will also deliver exclusive programming that has never before been seen in the United States,” he added.