Chris Forrester 22-02-2009

According to local reports Russia’s anti-monopoly office has forbidden a plan which would have seen Disney link with Media-One Holdings to create a national, free-to-air, channel across the nation

Russian officials say the plan has been blocked because of “false” and inaccurate data from the companies backing the venture. "The documents, presented to the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service of Russia, included false information," the agency said. "The anti-monopoly body takes the decision to refuse applications if the relevant information they contain turns out to be false," the agency added in its statement.

In December Disney said the new network would have launched later this year and carried Disney and locally-produced content. Additionally Disney would have benefited from the licensing and merchandising of its products as well as a rise in brand awareness.

© Rapid TV News 2009