Milestones

Channel One First began broadcasting in 1995 on the same frequency that had long been the home of state television’s First Program, and later the state TV and radio company Ostankino. Channel One inherited not only the frequency, but the invaluable professional experience of its predecessors. It managed to take a leading position among domestic television channels and has succeeded in holding its position to this day. Channel One launched its international broadcasting in 1999 with transmissions into Europe. At the beginning of the 2002 television season, Channel One got its present name, which underlined its successes, becoming the first channel, the absolute leader of the Russian television, with a constant audience of more than 140 million people.