Mr Medvedev said in particular in his message:
“Right from your first broadcasts you have stood firm in your commitment to the principles of freedom of speech and have become a genuinely independent Russian television channel. NTV’s journalists, cameramen and directors have always shown honesty and the highest standards in carrying out their professional mission. It is only natural that NTV should so swiftly have built up a large and loyal audience.
Viewers today continue to value NTV for its objective and topical presentation of information, interesting reports, substantive programmes and serious analysis. Also important is that the company’s team does not just support and build on the best traditions of journalism in Russia but are constantly in search of new creative ideas.
I am sure that the great experience and potential of your team of like-minded people will enable you to maintain your high standards, compete on an equal footing with the world’s leading channels and create quality products that meet today’s demands.”