Yesterday, it was reported that WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was planning on a 10-episode talk show, where he would interview major role-players in world politics about the future of world affairs. However, it was not announced what networks would actually be broadcasting it. However, Wednesday morning, RT, a Russian English-language station funded by the Russian government, announced that it has secured the broadcasting rights to the show.
According to The Telegraph, in its statement RT, which used to be known as Russia Today, said it was proud to be associated with WikiLeaks. The network did not announce who the guests would be, adding that the list is a complete secret. However, RT did say that, “’iconoclasts, visionaries and power insiders’ – people Assange can clearly identify with, being a rather controversial figure himself,” borrowing a quote from WikiLeaks’ announcement.
The Associated Press reports that RT said that Assange will tape the show from his home in Britain, where he is currently under house arrest. He is awaiting extradition to Sweden to face sexual assault charges and the US government is still considering pressing charges on Assange for leaking thousands of confidential documents on his website.
Assange has been critical of US policy, so it only makes sense that he would chose to work with RT, which has also been critical of the US in the past.
RT began broadcasting its English language network in December, 2005 and reaches nearly 430 million people worldwide, so Assange will be guaranteed an enormous international audience. RT also broadcasts networks in Spanish and Arabic.
Assange’s program will start airing sometime in March, although no specific date was announced by RT or WikiLeaks.