Nearly run off the air by Russian federal TV and radio watchdog group Rossvyazkomnadzor, adult cartoon channel 2×2 will continue to serve viewers in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Daily Variety reports that the network’ is likely to have its license renewed for five years when it comes up for renewal in mid-October, despite opposition from religious groups that don’t appreciate such controversial shows as South Park, Happy Tree Friends and The Adventures of Big Jeff.
Along with the vote of support from the Russian federal TV and radio broadcasting competition commission comes a recommendation that 2X2 reevaluate its programming choices. The terrestrial TV service is owned by billionaire industrialist Vladimir Potanin’s Profmedia group.
In March of his year, the Russian government pressured 2X2 to yank the Mondo Media shows Happy Tree Friends and The Adventures of Big Jeff, even though they aired late at night when kids were sleeping. The network pulled the shows without putting up a fight, but made a point to note that most of the crime dramas airing in Russia are far worse than the cartoons.
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