MEDIA LOSER: Russia Today RT America is effectively shuttering after the cable station laid off most of its staff, CNN reported on Thursday, and it's only the latest blow for the Kremlin-backed network. Formerly known as Russia Today, RT has several sister stations around the world, including in the United Kingdom and France. RT America launched in 2010 and has since offered a steady diet of pro-Russia coverage. In the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last week, the network has come under increasing scrutiny and pressure given its ties to Moscow. On Tuesday, DirecTV said it would be dropping RT from its list of channels. Facebook, TikTok, and Google have also all announced restrictions on RT’s content. Apple removed the RT app from its app store in all countries except for Russia. RT America’s production company, T&R productions, announced it will cease operations “as a result of unforeseen business interruption events.” In a memo to staff, T&R general manager Misha Solodovnikov told employees, “Unfortunately, we anticipate this layoff will be permanent, meaning that this will result in the permanent separation from employment of most T&R employees at all locations.” CNN described the layoffs as “an effective end to RT America.” Good riddance. |