Moscow TV Broadcast Resumes After Fire

Russia's two biggest television channels resumed limited broadcasting in Moscow on Wednesday after a three-day blackout caused by a fire at the country's main Ostankino television tower.

RTR state television and ORT public television went on the air at 6 p.m. (1200 GMT), three hours ahead of schedule, from a temporary transmitter fixed to the trunk of the fire-ravaged 540-metre (1,772-feet) tower, the world's second tallest.

"Beginning from today and until full-scale broadcasting in Moscow is restored, a joint channel will be on the air," said an on-screen announcement, the first television image to grace the screens of most Muscovites since Sunday.

RTR and ORT will combine their programs as the transmitter allows broadcasting on only one frequency.

The joint program, announced for Wednesday, consisted largely of news reports, hit serials and feature films.



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