The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Politics & World›Media›RT (TV network)
Politics & World • Media

RT (TV network)

RT is a Russian state-funded international television network headquartered in Moscow.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

RT is a Russian state-funded international television network headquartered in Moscow. Its English-language channel launched in 2005 and broadcasts news, current affairs, commentary, and documentaries to audiences outside Russia in multiple languages. The network describes its English channel as a 24/7 service available worldwide.

History

RT launched its first international channel in 2005 under the name Russia Today. The network later expanded into several languages and established regional or language-specific services.

English-language channel

The English-language service is RT’s flagship channel and has been on air since 2005. RT describes it as a 24/7 channel broadcasting from Moscow to an international audience. The channel provides news, current affairs, commentary, and documentaries in multiple languages.

Ownership and funding

RT is publicly financed from the Russian federal budget and is presented by RT as an autonomous organization. It is widely described by outside sources as Russian state-controlled or state-funded.

Controversy and criticism

RT has frequently been criticized in Western media and reference sources for propaganda and disinformation. The network says it offers an alternative perspective on major global events.

Relevance in Canada

RT is relevant to Canadian readers as part of broader international media coverage and debates over state-funded news, media influence, and information standards. Its English-language content has been accessible online and through international distribution, though availability can vary by platform and regulatory context.

Key facts

  • RT is an international news network based in Moscow and funded by the Russian government.
  • Its original English-language channel launched in 2005.
  • RT provides news, current affairs, commentary, and documentaries in multiple languages.
  • The network describes its English channel as a 24/7 service available worldwide.
  • RT has faced major criticism and allegations of propaganda and disinformation from some commentators and reference works.
🍁
Canadian context

RT is relevant to Canadian readers as part of broader international media coverage and debates over state-funded news, media influence, and information standards. Its English-language content has been accessible online and through international distribution, though availability can vary by platform and regulatory context.

Frequently asked questions

What is RT English?
RT English is the flagship English-language television channel of RT, a Russian state-funded international news network based in Moscow.
When did RT English start broadcasting?
RT’s English-language channel launched in 2005.
Who owns RT?
RT is funded by the Russian government and is described as a Russian state-funded or state-controlled network by outside sources.
What kind of programming does RT English air?
RT says it airs news, current affairs, commentary, and documentaries, with a focus on international headlines.
Where is RT headquartered?
RT is headquartered in Moscow, Russia.
Is RT available outside Russia?
Yes. RT is intended for audiences outside Russia and is described as being available in many countries worldwide.

References

  1. RT — https://www.rt.com/on-air/
    Supports: English-language channel description, 24/7 schedule, Moscow origin, worldwide reach
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RT_(TV_network)
    Supports: RT identity, former name Russia Today, Russian state-controlled network, launch year, headquarters, multilingual operation
  3. RT — https://www.rt.com/applications/
    Supports: RT English-language channel description, broadcast scope, international coverage
  4. RT — https://www.rt.com/about-us/
    Supports: Network launch in 2005, global news network description, languages, RT India note
  5. RT — https://www.rt.com/about-rt/
    Supports: Public financing, Moscow-based round-the-clock network, international channels and availability
  6. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/RT
    Supports: RT as Russian television network, Moscow headquarters, funding, language services, criticism
  7. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60584092
    Supports: UK broadcast restrictions and disappearance from UK screens