Moscow, November 18, 2008 - The Russian business television channel RBC TV has been named the best news channel in Europe and awarded the top prize from the international Hot Bird TV Awards 2008 in the category for News TV channels, recognizing its high level of professionalism and content quality. The awards’ symbolic statuettes of the Greek goddess of the Earth Gaia were presented at a ceremony held in Venice on November 14.

In the final round of the competition for the title of best news channel, RBC TV outdid its three rivals, the channels Bloomberg Television and France24, as well as the BBC’s Arabic language service (BBC Arabic TV). Two other broadcasters, Russia Today and Rai News 24, were among other co-runners for the prize. A total of over 1,250 TV channels contended for this prestigious award in all categories.

Hot Bird TV Awards is an annual competition established by a joint initiative of the European satellite communications organization Eutelsat, the European broadcasting union Eurovisioni, and SAT Expo in 1998, and is held by one of the leading satellite operators in Europe, Hot Bird. In 2008, awards were presented in 11 categories. Winners were selected by a distinguished jury consisting of media experts from eight European countries.

“I am delighted that RBC TV was once again recognized not only in Russia, but also on the international level. I believe that the key reason for our victory is the right choice of the programming concept, which appeals to the audience by combining 24-hour news coverage and professional analytical programs,” said RBC TV General Director Artyom Inutin.