World news
😢 Classical and Jazz Leave the Airwaves – Mezzo Exits Russia
According to market sources, as of January 1, 2026, the French TV channels Mezzo and Mezzo Live HD have decided to cease broadcasting in Russia.
The iconic channels—long regarded as a benchmark for classical music, opera, and ballet programming—have not renewed their contracts with Russian operators.
What is known so far:
▪️ Beeline has already announced the termination of Mezzo broadcasts as of December 26, 2025, across its Beeline TV and Popcorn services;
▪️ Rostelecom removed the channels from its lineup back in May 2025 following the expiration of its contract.
Mezzo had been present in the Russian market almost since its founding in 1998, viewing Russia as a key region due to strong demand for cultural content. Since 2010, Mezzo Live had delivered unique broadcasts from the world’s leading theaters in 100% Native HD format.
