Rossiya 1 («Россия 1») is Russia's national state-run TV channel. You can follow the live stream through services like Wink and Ivi, though what plays depends on where you are.
What Rossiya 1 airs
The channel went on air as RTR on 13 May 1991, was renamed Rossiya in the early 2000s, and became Rossiya 1 in the 2010 rebrand of the VGTRK group. Sources disagree on whether the first rename came in 2001 or 2002.
The schedule is broad. Vesti is the flagship news brand, and evening talk shows like 60 Minut and Vecher s Vladimirom Solovyovym sit alongside drama series, films, morning shows and entertainment. Variety is the draw.
One thing worth knowing. BBC describes Rossiya 1 as part of Russia's state-controlled television, so the political talk shows reflect an official line, not an independent one.
Who this channel suits
Rossiya 1 is built for a mass audience in Russia that wants news, series and talk programs from a single channel. Households that follow TV dramas and big televised events are a natural fit.
Russian speakers abroad have a separate option, RTR Planeta, VGTRK's international version. Its lineup is not identical to the domestic feed, because some programs lack international rights.
Where and how to watch
In Russia, the channel runs on terrestrial TV, cable and satellite. VGTRK says the signal reaches about 98.5% of the Russian population, which is the owner's own figure.
Online, Wink offers a live stream in HD along with a program schedule. Ivi has its own Rossiya 1 viewing page. Schedules also differ by region, since the channel has run separate feeds for 11 Russian time zones since the end of 2018.
Outside Russia, access can be limited by location, distribution rights and each platform's own rules. Check what actually plays in your region before counting on a stream.
Worth saving?
If you want to watch Russian state TV in one place, Rossiya 1 is a straightforward channel to keep on hand. Bookmark the page for next time, and pass the link along if someone else would find the channel useful.
