Current Time
A 24/7 Russian-language TV and digital network, Current Time provides an alternative to Kremlin-controlled news and information.
Website visits
(January–December 2023)
Facebook video views
(January–December 2023)
YouTube video views
(January–December 2023)
Instagram video views
(January–December 2023)
About the Service
Current Time is an editorially independent 24/7 Russian-language news platform that reaches audiences in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Baltics, and beyond.
With a growing audience, Current Time is a vital source of news that is countering Russian disinformation in the region.
Current Time reached more Russians weekly in 2023 than at any point since its inception in 2014, with a weekly measured audience of 5.9%.
In 2023, usage of Current Time was highest among young Russian adults: 8.7% of those 15-24 use it weekly.
Current Time covers the plight of political prisoners in Russia, Belarus, and other countries reached by its broadcasts.
Journalists are covering Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine, reporting about poor conditions for Russian conscripts, Russians fleeing mobilization, and new patriotic classes in Russian schools.
The series of community outreach stories “Community and Collaboration” maintains contact with Current Time’s audience to highlight their thoughts on current issues.
Prioritizes coverage of data-driven stories often not covered by Russian media, such as on sexual violence during wartime.
Awards
Philip Meyer Journalism Award
Joint investigation with RFE/RL’s Hungarian Service received an honorable mention from the Investigative Reporters and Editors organization.
2022 Media Awards
Received a commendation from the Association for International Broadcasting at the 2022 Media Awards for war coverage.
Latest Updates
Statement from the RFE/RL Board of Directors on the Release of Alsu Kurmasheva
The Board of Directors of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty welcomes home RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva following her release from unjust detention in the Russian Federation.
American RFE/RL Reporter Alsu Kurmasheva Released from Russian Custody
RFE/RL welcomes news of Alsu’s release and is grateful to the American government and all who worked tirelessly to end her unjust treatment by Russia.
American RFE/RL Reporter Alsu Kurmasheva Tried & Convicted in Russian Court
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) called the ruling by a Russian court “a mockery of justice.”
Service Director
Pavel Butorin
Pavel Butorin is the Service Director of Current Time, the 24/7 Russian language digital and TV network, led by RFE/RL in cooperation with the Voice of America. Butorin has been with RFE/RL since 2001, first as a producer for Central News, then as a video producer for the multimedia department, and finally as managing editor for Current Time TV. He has been a leading member of the Current Time team since its inception as a 30-minute television news program in 2014 and was instrumental in its transformation into a successful 24/7 digital and television network. He is a graduate of Ohio University in the United States and has a master’s degree in mass communications.
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