Ura.ru: Tsargrad TV channel may be closed

Update. The founder of Tsargrad TV, Konstantin Malofeev, responded to the news about the possible closure of the TV channel by saying , “You can’t wait!”

The TV channel Tsargrad TV, which positions itself as “the first Russian conservative information and analytical channel,” may be closed, reports Ura.ru, citing sources from the circle of the founder of Tsargrad TV, Konstantin Malofeev.

According to Ura.ru, the possible closure is due to the fact that the channel, allegedly created “for the presidential elections” and as “an alternative to Channel One for the network post-Crimean majority,” did not “arouse interest among major federal players.”

In this context, the publication mentions Vladimir Putin’s assistant Vladislav Surkov and former deputy head of the presidential administration, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin; the first allegedly did not like “the coverage of events in the DPR and LPR in an overly militant manner and the channel’s love for the former DPR Defense Minister Igor Strelkov,” and the second, according to the former manager of the TV channel, was recommended “not to place a bet” on Tsargrad TV because possible reputational risks.

What exactly the cooperation of Surkov and Volodin with Tsargrad TV could consist of is not specified.

Former and current employees of the TV channel also told Ura.ru about salary delays and staff reductions. The general director of Tsargrad TV, Elena Sharoykina, denied this, saying that “in a number of areas, there is a recruitment of employees, not a reduction.” She called the information about the possible closure of the TV channel rumors.

• Tsargrad TV was founded by businessman Konstantin Malofeev, who is said to be involved in financing separatists in eastern Ukraine. The TV channel began broadcasting in April 2015 and is known, in particular, for compiling a “list of Russophobes.” The TV channel also promised to pay “sodomy and perverts” a one-way ticket from Russia.