New York, NY, June 13, 2003 - RTVI the most popular Russian-language television network in USA is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of The First Annual Russian Heritage Week. This landmark community event is being presented by Daily News, in cooperation with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the City of New York, and is organized by the Russian-American Arts Foundation.

Since its 1999 U.S. broadcast launch, RTVI has held a highly involved and influential position within the Russian-speaking community. As the leading media outlet to the Russian-American population, RTVI believes that it is essential to be involved in the life of this community. RTVI has sponsored and participated in numerous local events, and has been a long-standing informational sponsor of concerts held by various Russian musicians who tour the U.S. performing for Russian-American audiences.

The First Annual Russian Heritage Week is especially important to RTVI, as it is a significant step towards recognition of our community’s accomplishments in this country. The Russian-speaking population has grown to be over 1 million strong in the tri-state area, and continues to make cultural and economic contributions. Thanks to the variety of events and activities planned for the citywide celebration, Russian Heritage Week will provide a great opportunity for RTVI to once again connect with its diverse audience in New York.

New York City and the surrounding area are the heart of the Russian-American community, and also constitute the core of RTVI’s viewing audience. RTVI is a 2-channel, 24-hour network that reaches the Russian-speaking audience in the tri-state area via Cablevision, Time Warner Cable, and Dish Network. The network offers Russian-speaking people in the U.S. an independent source of news and entertainment programming in their native language.

RTVI’s programs are the most-watched in Russian-American homes because they are specifically tailored to meet the tastes and preferences of the Russian speaking population living in the U.S. The programming format of RTVI and RTVI Plus is similar to that of leading English-language networks. This includes: news and information, movies and documentaries, sporting events, drama and comedy series, live music concerts and theatrical performances, and children’s cartoons and shows.

RTVI is the only global network of its kind, serving as a bridge to the culture and country Russian expatriates left behind as well as a window to their newly acquired home. RTVI is the only Russian-language television network in the U.S. with a fully-fledged independent news service, which enables them to provide professional reporting, while maintaining maximum objectivity and credibility. Russian expatriates have recognized RTVI as the most respected and reliable source of information as well as the most popular source of entertainment. We thank them for their ongoing support, and hope that they will enjoy the week’s festivities.

For more information about RTVI, please contact Svetlana Ivanova at (917) 606-2588.