NTV fired its anchor Leonid Parfionov

The general director of the television station NTV, Nikolai Senkevich, yesterday signed an order dismissing the host of the program Recently (Namedni), Leonid Parfionov. The official reason cited was 'the violation of labor and corporate relations.'

Senkevich told the radio station Moscow Echo: 'I take account of the fact that the station is depriving itself of one of its most highly rated programs. I understand that I am firing a three-time laureate of the TEFI prize. But talent is not an excuse to behave the way Parfionov has.' Senkevich noted that the decision was necessary, and was not taken lightly. 'If my decision doesn't suit some shareholder and my point of view is not accepted, then I am prepared to leave. But for now, I answer for everything at NTV," Senkevich said.

The issue of dismissing Parfionov arose following the removal from the air of an interview with the widow of slain Chechen leader Zelimhan Yanderbayev, which had already aired in the Far East region. In the interview, Malika Yanderbayeva blamed the Russian Special Services for her husband's death.