A German court has upheld the ban on Russia Today’s German-language channel, citing licensing violations.

The Berlin Administrative Court has ruled that the ban on Russia Today’s German-language channel, RT DE, imposed by the Media Authority Berlin-Brandenburg (MABB), is lawful. The decision marks another legal defeat for RT DE Productions GmbH, which had challenged the prohibition since its implementation in February 2022.

RT DE began broadcasting in December 2021, targeting German audiences with programming in the German language. However, the channel failed to secure the necessary broadcasting license from MABB, prompting the regulator to issue a ban. RT DE Productions GmbH, established under German law in 2014, contested the decision, arguing that the license was unnecessary as the channel was merely producing content for Russia-based TV-Novosti, not operating as an independent broadcaster.

The court rejected this claim, stating that RT DE was indeed functioning as a broadcaster within Germany. According to the court, the channel’s editorial responsibility for its content was based in Berlin, not Moscow, making it subject to German broadcasting regulations. RT DE’s assertion that it was only supplying content lacked sufficient evidence, the court added.

The Media Authority welcomed the ruling, with its director, Eva Flecken, emphasizing that RT DE operated as a Berlin-based broadcaster without proper licensing. Flecken stated, ‘The court confirms that RT DE was a local broadcaster and violated licensing requirements.’

The legal battle began with an expedited proceeding in March 2023, followed by the main hearing, which concluded with this judgment. RT DE Productions GmbH, now in liquidation and no longer conducting business operations, retains the option to appeal the decision by seeking permission from the Higher Administrative Court of Berlin-Brandenburg.

The case underscores the importance of adhering to broadcasting regulations in Germany, particularly for foreign media outlets. The court’s ruling reinforces the stance that all broadcasters targeting German audiences must comply with local licensing requirements, regardless of their origin or operational structure.