In early September, Russian prosecutors upheld a complaint from a religious group against the TV channel that broadcasts South Park and other adult cartoons for their "overt propaganda of homosexuality and pedophilia." The 2x2 company was issued with a warning and the case was referred to court.
oHow"We are getting calls from a lot of cable operators with connection requests. They are really interested in the programs and now they all want us," Roman Sarkisov said, adding that the outcome of all the complaints has been "excellent promotion" for the company.
The television company received a letter Wednesday from Russia's media watchdog listing complaints, in particular from the Family charitable fund, against 2x2, and the TNT company, which broadcasts comedy programs like Comedy Club and Our Russia, the Russian version of the award-winning BBC serial Little Britain.
The letter underlined to 2x2 that the company's broadcasting license is up for renewal on October 17 and viewer's opinions would be considered in the relicensing process.
The Russian adult-oriented cartoon network TV channel faced similar accusations in March 2008, when Russian Protestant leaders submitted a request to the Prosecutor General's Office asking for the channel's license to be revoked, saying it "promotes immorality and violence."
Prosecutors said last week that by showing such cartoons like South Park, the channel is promoting "violence, brutality and pornography," as well as suicide and antisocial behavior.
"The content of these cartoons fails to comply with laws protecting the moral and psychological development of children," a statement read, adding that the cartoon breached international law and the rights of children.
