London base for Voice of Russia station

Voice of Russia has announced plans to set up studio and production facilities in London following the launch of its service on DAB in the capital.

The digital radio channel, backed by WRN Broadcast, went live last month providing programmes in English about Russia and the country’s viewpoint on world affairs.

Voice of Russia is already heard in around 160 countries, but through the partnership with WRN will create material in London at the company’s headquarters in Vauxhall with dedicated production staff and journalists. In addition, material produced in Moscow will be broadcast on the station.

Chairman of Voice of Russia Andrey Bystritsky said: “One of our goals is to get closer to our audiences so it made perfect sense to have the channel’s base in the heart of London, and to partner with a specialist like WRN Broadcast who will drive the channel’s success.

David Treadway, Managing Director, WRN Broadcast told us: “We have worked with Voice of Russia for many years and are responsible for delivering their programmes to audiences in places as diverse as Afghanistan and Buenos Aires. Therefore, we are delighted to have been able to devise and manage a channel right here in London, so increasing even further the range, quality and choice of radio services in the capital.”

Welcoming the arrival of the new service on the London II DAB multiplex, the CEO of Digital Radio UK, Ford Ennals said:”London is a vibrant, multicultural city and this is reflected in its digital radio services which include 60 digital-only stations, including those serving audiences from all over the world. We welcome the launch of Voice of Russia from the World Radio Network and see it as an excellent addition to London’s rich radio diversity.”