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Netflix refuses to carry Russian channels; Disney, Warner, Sony stop film releases in Russia
Netflix is refusing to air Russian state TV channels in the country — something that the streamer would have been required to do by Russian law starting this week, CNN reports.
"Given the current situation, we have no plans to add these channels to our service," Netflix told CNN Business in a statement Monday. The law, which would have applied to Netflix as of March 1, requires media platforms that reach more than 100,000 subscribers in Russia to distribute free-to-air Russian news and entertainment TV channels. It is overseen by the country's communications regulator, Roskomnadzor. Netflix plans to continue to operate in Russia. The company did not say how it would avoid the regulation if it is enforced and said it is monitoring the situation closely. Meanwhile, Warner Bros., Disney and Sony have halted the release of films in Russian cinemas, after the invasion of Ukraine. The Warner Bros blockbuster The Batman was due to be released in Russia on Friday, BBC News notes. "In light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, WarnerMedia is pausing the release of its feature film 'The Batman' in Russia," a spokesperson said. Disney has also delayed the Russian release of the Pixar animated film, Turning Red. "Given the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis, we are pausing the theatrical release of films in Russia," Disney said in a statement. The entertainment giant added that it would work with its non-governmental organizations to provide "urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees". Sony has also halted the release of its Marvel adaptation Morbius in the country. "Given the ongoing military action in Ukraine and the resulting uncertainty and humanitarian crisis unfolding in that region, we will be pausing our planned theatrical releases in Russia," a spokesperson told the BBC. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted and hope this crisis will be resolved quickly," they added. RELATED
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