CNN to suspend service in Russia

WASHINGTON - CNN said Monday it was suspending broadcasting in Russia "in light of recent changes in Russian media legislation," which aim to tighten control on independent news media.

The CNN Center building is pictured on November 29, 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia

A statement from CNN International parent Turner International, which is part of the Time Warner conglomerate, offered no specific timetable, but the Tass news agency reported earlier that broadcasts would cease as of December 31.

"Turner International is assessing its distribution options for CNN in Russia in light of recent changes in Russian media legislation," the Turner statement said.

"We are bringing our existing distribution relationships to an end while we do that. We hope to re-enter the market in due course, and will notify our partners of any update about resuming these services."

The statement noted that the CNN Moscow bureau operation, which covers Russia for the cable news operation, was "unaffected."

The move comes with Russian President Vladimir Putin increasingly at odds with independent news media, especially over coverage of the Ukraine crisis.

A new law limits foreign ownership of media to 20 percent, threatening some of the country's most respected independent media outlets.

The largest media organizations in Russia are owned by the state or controlled by Putin associates.

CNN is seen through cable and satellite firms in Russia