The State Duma explained the lack of Russia’s right to broadcast the Olympics

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Svetlana Zhurova called the reason for the decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to deprive Russia of the rights to broadcast the Olympic Games until 2032, external pressure on the organization. The politician stated this in an interview with Lenta.ru.

On January 17, it became known that all media rights in Europe for broadcasting the Olympic Games from 2026 to 2032 were transferred to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). The list of countries where I will broadcast the event does not include Russia and Belarus.

“Everyone is waiting for the moment when this ban will be lifted and Russia will be a full-fledged participant in all processes. But just in case, so that politicians from different countries do not publicly put pressure on them, they decided to do so. Then you can always reconsider the decision, ”Zhurova is convinced.

The deputy is also sure that when Russia resumes its participation in the Olympic Games, the rights to broadcast will return.

“At the same time, we are well aware that the Olympics can be watched on the Internet. Whoever needs it will always find it. But it is sad that in this way they give us a signal. People are starting to think that Russia has been suspended until 2032. Although there is no such solution. This is a manifestation of outright Russophobia on all fronts,” she said.

In February last year, Channel One, the Ostankino radio house and the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (VGTRK) withdrew from the European Broadcasting Union. This was due to the decision of the EBU to remove Russia from participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2022.