RT, the Moscow-based television and online network, says it will comply with U.S. Department of Justice demands and register as the agent of a foreign government by Monday, November 13th.
Formerly known as Russia Today, RT disputes that it is an agent of the Russian government, arguing that it offers alternatives to mainstream news coverage. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that the network and website push relentlessly anti-American propaganda at the behest of the Russian government.
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A January assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies described RT America TV as “a Kremlin-financed channel operated from within the United States, (which) has substantially expanded its repertoire of programming that highlights criticism of alleged US shortcomings in democracy and civil liberties.’’
The assessment also said RT America “has positioned itself as a domestic US channel and has deliberately sought to obscure any legal ties to the Russian government,’’ but behind the scenes, “The Kremlin staffs RT and closely supervises RT’s coverage, recruiting people who can convey Russian strategic messaging because of their ideological beliefs.’’
The Russian Embassy in Washington has warned that Moscow may retaliate by restricting U.S.-based news organizations with correspondents in Russia.
RT agrees to register as an agent of the Russian government (WaPo)