Image caption Larry King has conducted more than 50,000 interviews, the Russian channel says

Famed US television interviewer Larry King will host a political chat show on Russian government-funded television network RT, the channel has said.

Politics with Larry King will air on RT America, which will also broadcast a second show, Larry King Now, that has appeared online since last summer.

In his five-decade career, King, 79, has interviewed presidents, athletes, film stars, and other US luminaries.

He hosted a chat show on CNN for 25 years, retiring in 2010.

RT, which launched in 2005, attracted attention for broadcasting a show with Julian Assange, founder of the whistle-blowing website WikiLeaks.

"I would rather ask questions to people in positions of power instead of speaking on their behalf," King said in an online video announcing the move.

"That's why you can find my show Larry King Now right here on RT."

King will "break new ground" with his latest endeavour, RT said.

"The veteran broadcaster will not shy away from causing controversy, or using his authority to give a chance to hear voices other media ignore," RT said in a statement.

The new show Politics with Larry King will launch in June.