Television for Russian Americans
RTVI

RTVI is a 24 -hour Russian language TV network that serves a nationwide Russian speaking audience. Available to U.S. subscribers via local cable providers and satellite network, RTVI provides programming that includes 4 newscasts daily, entertainment, educational, and sports programs, movies and documentaries, talk and game shows, and kids programs. Russian Americans form a large segment of the consumer marketplace in key urban centers- and as the Russian speaking population continues to expand, advertisers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to target this ever growing demographic. In fact, Russian Americans represent one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the US, and RTVI is perfectly positioned to help you tap into this emerging market

(previously known as NTV International) was launched in 1997 by Russia’s first and only independent media group. Our main objective was to create a global television network that would offer Russian-speaking people throughout the world an independent source of information and entertainment programming in their native language. This is successfully accomplished by offering round-the-clock, international, non-governmental broadcasts of acclaimed programming specifically tailored to meet the tastes and preferences of the Russian-speaking population living in the U.S., Europe, Israel, and Australia. The programming format of RTVI and RTVI Plus is similar to that of leading English-language networks, which includes: news and information, movies and documentaries, sporting events, drama and comedy series, live music concerts and theatrical performances, movies, and even cartoons children’s shows.

is the only global network of its kind, serving as a bridge to the culture and country that Russian expatriates left behind as well as a window to their newly acquired home. RTVI is the only Russian-language television network in the U.S. with a fully-fledged independent news service, which enables us to provide professional and innovative programming, while maintaining maximum objectivity and credibility. Russian expatriates have recognized RTVI as the most respected and reliable source of information as well as the most popular source of entertainment. As a result, RTVI has become the premier television network for this rapidly expanding community, reaching 50 million people worldwide, covering the United States and Canada, Russia and other former Soviet Republics, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

international headquarters in New York City includes television production studios as well as a state-of-the-art broadcast facility. We also have a European broadcast center located in Cologne, Germany, as well as studios in Moscow and Tel Aviv.

Profile of the Russian-Speaking Audience Outside the Russian Federation

There is a common misconception that everyone who speaks Russian is from Russia. In fact, Russian-speakers come from all over Europe and Asia. This is due to the fact that the Russian language was widely taught throughout the school systems of the 15 former Soviet Republics (which included Russia), as well as those of the Warsaw Pact nations.
Russian is the most widely spoken Slavic language and is also one of the official languages of the United Nations.

Russian expatriates lead active lifestyles by attending cultural events, traveling, participating in their community, and keeping up-to-date on current events. They are well-assimilated, yet are still eager to follow the latest political developments in Russia, and pass on their language and culture to their children. Most are bilingual but generally prefer to speak Russian at home, and turn to Russian-language media for the latest news and information. Though they insist on maintaining strong ties with their heritage they are very open to new cultures. In addition to placing a high value on family, education is a top priority in their lives. 61% of adults have a Bachelor’s Degree, 19% have the equivalent of an Advanced Degree, and 17% have some college education. The average Russian-speaker works in a professional environment and has an above-average income.

As with any ethnic group living abroad, people are more inclined to trust and be regular viewers of programming that is broadcast in their native language. RTVI and RTVI Plus serve as a priceless resource for Russian-speakers as they thrive in their new country and stay abreast of what is happening in the world today.

Advertising in the United States

The Russian-speaking population has a long history in the United States dating back to the early 1900’s. Successive waves of immigration were triggered by World War I, The Russian Revolution, World War II, and a period of liberalization in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Most recently, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, an unprecedented million Russians immigrated to the United States. The Russian-speaking population surged 254 percent from 1990 to 1998, currently totaling over 4 million Russian-speakers in the U.S. Nearly 90% of this population lives in and around major urban centers, with large concentrations in New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area, as well as Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Approximately 64% of the Russian-speakers are married, with an average of 1.6 kids. They are well-educated, ambitious professionals who lead active lifestyles, and contribute to their communities. Over 50% of this group has an average household income of over $55,000. The rapidly growing Russian-American population is an ethnic consumer market with strong buying power, brand-loyalty, and a pronounced tendency to “keep up with the Jones’ “. They are also extraordinarily responsive to advertising in their native language, especially when it is channeled through such a trusted and respected source as RTVI.

As the leading media outlet to the Russian-speaking community, RTVI has an unparalleled influence on this virtually untapped and prosperous group of consumers, and plays a tremendous role in how consumer and market habits will be formed as assimilation continues. The high level of marketing message penetration allows advertisers to take advantage of an incredible opportunity to add considerable bottom-line value to their marketing revenue, simply by advertising on RTVI - a trusted network that reaches a loyal and expanding viewing audience.

In recent years, progressive American companies have begun to recognize the benefits of targeting the Russian-speaking market. Current advertisers who have been running successful campaigns on RTVI include Verizon, Western Union, MCI, AT&T, Daily News, Aeroflot, Lot Airlines, Zepter International, and Lifeway Foods.

RTVI and RTVI Plus reach its’ nationwide audience via satellite. Additionally, RTVI is available via Cablevision and Time Warner Cable in the New York area. RTVI scope makes it the perfectly positioned media outlet to help connect with this rapidly expanding audience and achieve your marketing goals.

Advertising options:

1) NY/NJ coverage, via Cablevision and TimeWarner Cable
2) Nationwide coverage via satellite
3) A combination of options 1 and 2

History

RTV I is the project of closed corporation "INTER TV"
Using the satellite net, RTV International broadcasts in Russian language for viewers in America, Europe, Middle East, North Africa and Australia.
The programs of RTV International can be received individually through satellite dish or from local cable operators.

History 1997 January:
the company began transmitting RTV1-channel through the satellite "Express 2".
The programs of RTV International reached Middle East and Europe - they became accessible for viewers with satellite dishes. The biggest Israeli cable operators began delivering RTV1' signal to their consumers.

1998 June 12:
RTV International began digital broadcasting in MPEG-2 format in Europe, Middle East and North Africa trough the satellite "Hot Bird" of "?utelsat" company. By that time there were already two channels in the package: "RTV I" and "Our cinema". The broadcasting was free, but in September 21 our signal was coded, using Viaccess system. Summer - opening of European Call Center, which is receiving orders for decoding cards. December 1: the company included in the package new channel - "Children's world".

1999 September 28:
The Company opened in US . October 1: RTV International began broadcasting in USA in cooperation with "ECHOSTAR" .

2000 August:
RTV International and RTV-Plus began regular broadcasting in Australia and New Zealand in coordination with "TARBS" company.