Russia
Russian channel still broadcasting despite threatsPosted Oct 25 2008
Russian television channel 2×2 remains on the air and has not changed its program lineup in the face of government criticism. The channel broadcasts cartoons such as The Simpsons, Family Guy and King of the Hill around the clock.
After the release of an expert study in mid-September calling the material “extremist,” representatives of the channel planned to remove the offensive shows.
Russian prosecutors had particular issue with a January episode of South Park discussing cartoon depictions of the Muslim prophet Mohammed. Authorities say the show violates a 2006 law against inciting religious hatred. Investigators wanted to revoke the channel’s broadcast license as a result.
Russian news channel Russia Today reported that hundreds of youth and teenagers protested during the two weeks following the report’s release. In response, 2×2 removed targeted scenes from the air but continues to play all criticized series.