Walker to broadcast racing to Russia
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.George Walker, who previously headed the Brent Walker leisure group and was acquitted last year on £19m fraud charges, is understood to have raised £5m of private backing to broadcast horse racing live in Russia from tracks in the UK, Ireland, France and South Africa.
A pilot scheme involving broadcasting race meetings in English to two casinos in St Petersburg and Moscow will soon be followed by transmissions in Russian. Owners of more than 2,000 outlets, ranging from corner shops to casinos, are understood to have applied to take the service with commentary in Russian, which should be available in time for the Derby in June.
Besides the racing, which comes via rights Mr Walker's Telesport company acquired from Satellite Information Services, there are plans to use the television channel to broadcast other programmes.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments