RT America was a U.S.-based news channel headquartered in Washington, D.C. Owned by TV Novosti and operated by production company T&R Productions, it was part of the RT network, a global multilingual television news network based in Moscow and funded by the Russian government. The channel claimed to reach an audience of 85 million people in the United States, though this figure is disputed. It was available through select cable providers, over-the-top services, a live stream via its website, and three low-power digital subchannels. After its closure, its broadcast was replaced by a live feed of RT International.
2007: Launch of Rusiya Al-Yaum
In 2007, RT launched Rusiya Al-Yaum, its Arabic-language channel, as part of its initiative to broaden its international audience.
2009: Launch of RT Actualidad
RT launched its Spanish-language channel, RT Actualidad, in 2009, further expanding its global footprint and reaching Spanish-speaking audiences.
February 2010: Launch of RT America in the United States
In February 2010, RT America was launched in the United States as part of RT's effort to expand its reach. This launch was a significant step in the network's global expansion strategy.
2011: Launch of RT Documentary
In 2011, RT launched the RT Documentary channel, adding to its diverse range of programming and enhancing its global media presence.
2012: Larry King Now
In 2012, RT America launched 'Larry King Now,' a significant addition to the channel's lineup. The show featured the renowned broadcaster Larry King, further enhancing the channel's reputation.
August 2013: James Kirchick on RT
In August 2013, James Kirchick appeared on RT to discuss Chelsea Manning and used the platform to condemn Russia's anti-gay legislation. His comments went viral on social media, highlighting the contentious nature of RT's programming.
March 2014: Liz Wahl's Resignation
In March 2014, Liz Wahl elaborated on her on-air resignation from RT America. She criticized the network for smearing America to favor the Kremlin and sugarcoating atrocities by various dictators.
2014: Abby Martin's Opposition to Russia's Intervention in Ukraine
In 2014, RT America's host Abby Martin publicly stated her opposition to Russia's intervention in Ukraine. This event was significant as it was followed by anchor Liz Wahl's on-air resignation the next day, criticizing RT as a propaganda tool for President Vladimir Putin.
2016: RT's Focus on Anti-Vaccine Film
In 2016, RT focused on the film 'Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe' by Andrew Wakefield, echoing claims that childhood immunizations caused autism. This coverage aligned with the network's tendency to promote fringe narratives.
2016: U.S. Intelligence on RT's Role in Election Meddling
In 2016, U.S. intelligence services stated with 'high confidence' that RT was part of a campaign ordered by President Vladimir Putin to meddle in the U.S. elections. The attack involved the use of real and fabricated information broadcast on state-funded media like RT.
2016: News with Ed Schultz
In 2016, RT America featured the show 'News with Ed Schultz.' This program was part of the channel's diverse lineup of shows and personalities, including notable figures such as Dennis Miller and Larry King.
2016: RT America's Role in 2016 U.S. Presidential Election
During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, RT America published conspiracy theories about the murder of Seth Rich to undermine the Hillary Clinton campaign. These theories gained traction on social media, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
January 12, 2017: C-SPAN Broadcast Interruption
On January 12, 2017, C-SPAN 1's live broadcast was interrupted by a cut-in of RT America during a House of Representatives debate. C-SPAN attributed the incident to a technical malfunction, specifically an internal routing error.
September 2017: James Kirchick's Critique of RT
In September 2017, James Kirchick wrote in The Washington Post that RT was not a legitimate news service, criticizing its lack of journalistic values. Kirchick had previously appeared on RT in 2013 to discuss Chelsea Manning and used the opportunity to speak out against anti-gay legislation in Russia.
October 2017: RT America Registers as a 'Foreign Agent'
In October 2017, under pressure from the United States Department of Justice, RT America registered as a 'foreign agent' under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This move led to the Russian Justice Ministry labeling several U.S.-funded media outlets as 'foreign agents' in retaliation.
2017: David Z. Morris on RT America's Content
In 2017, David Z. Morris noted in Fortune magazine that RT America often blurred the line between propaganda and commentary by providing a platform for fringe narratives and employing respected U.S. journalists like Chris Hedges and Larry King.
2017: RT America's Role in Political Discourse
In 2017, David Z. Morris wrote in Fortune that RT America was not merely a platform for a right-wing agenda but also fueled fringe viewpoints across the political spectrum. This analysis was part of a broader critique of the channel's role in American public discourse.
2017: New York Times Report on RT's Election Interference
In 2017, The New York Times reported that RT was involved in a campaign to meddle in the 2016 U.S. elections. The report indicated that the interference included the use of hacked information and the creation of false news to influence public opinion.
2017: U.S. Intelligence Community Report on RT
In 2017, a report by the United States Intelligence Community described RT as 'the Kremlin's principal international propaganda outlet.' It highlighted that RT America had been set up as an autonomous nonprofit organization to avoid FARA's registration requirement.
2018: News with Ed Schultz
In 2018, the show 'News with Ed Schultz' concluded its run on RT America. The program had been part of the channel's offerings since 2016, showcasing its varied content and notable hosts.
2019: RT's Coverage of 5G
In 2019, RT aired multiple programs linking 5G technology to various health issues, including brain cancer and autism, despite the lack of scientific support. This coverage was part of the network's broader pattern of promoting controversial narratives.
2020: Larry King Now
The show 'Larry King Now' ended its run on RT America in 2020, marking the end of an era for the channel that began in 2012. Larry King's presence had been a notable highlight for the network.
March 3, 2022: Cease of Operations
On March 3, 2022, RT America ceased all live programming operations following the loss of the majority of its cable and satellite coverage due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. T&R Productions announced that the layoffs of all staff would be permanent.