CNN To Resume Service In Russia

CNN International has obtained a 10-year broadcasting license in Russia and can now resume distribution, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  Service in the country had been terminated as of Jan. 1, 2015.

"In accordance with the Russian Federation Law on Mass Media, the company is authorized to broadcast CNN International pursuant to the broadcasting license recently issued under this law," a Turner Broadcasting spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter.

"We have complied with all the procedural requirements and are delighted to now be officially licensed in Russia," she went on to say. "We look forward to resuming distribution for CNN International in Russia as soon as possible."

CNN said it was ending distribution in Russia last November. The broadcaster's move was widely believed to be triggered by a newly adopted piece of legislation under which commercials on Russian pay TV were to be banned as of Jan. 1, 2015.

This past January, CNN executives had negotiations with officials from Russia's communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor. After the talks, Russian authorities said the broadcaster could soon resume distribution in Russia, and CNN International applied for a broadcasting license.