Moscow - The US media magnate Ted Turner has confirmed that he has reached a deal to buy into Russia's only independent nationwide NTV television, which is fighting a hostile takeover bid by the state-dominated Gazprom.
The TV station's founders asked the natural gas monopoly to suspend its attempts to install a new team at the company for three months to allow the new shareholder to have a say.
Journalists at the station have begun an occupation of their Moscow studios, refusing to recognise a takeover on Tuesday by Gazprom.
All 350 station journalists as well as MPs and supporters were yesterday due to spend their second night occupying the building, insisting they will remain until the takeover decision is reversed.