Died 27 October 2015 | ||
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Igor Yurievych Nikitin (October 2, 1965 - October 27, 2015) was the president of the TBN-Russia public television channel, president of the Russian Broadcasting Network international media group, chairman of the World Christian Council.
Life
Nikitin was born October 2, 1965 in the village of Aleshkino, Krasnoyarsk region, in a teacher's family. As a child, he moved with his family to Leningrad(Saint Petersburg) and studied in high school №342. After High School he continued his studies in the Restoration School of Saint-Petersburg, specializing in restoration. Then he went on to graduate from the Saint-Petersburg State University of Culture and Arts as Director of Mass Holidays.
Since 1990, holds festivals, concerts, cultural and spiritual events at some of the most prestigious and major venues and stadiums in Russia, CIS countries, USA, India, Korea and Western Europe, the largest of which are visited by hundreds of thousands of people. Just in St. Petersburg alone, 34 important for the city events were organized at SKK, the largest venue in St. Petersburg to this day.
Since 1992 organizes major charity events and humanitarian projects in cooperation with the City of St. Petersburg town council and the Duma deputy, Peter Schelisch. Hundreds of thousands of needy in Russia and the CIS countries received much needed at the time assistance, in the form of food and clothing.
Since 1998 Igor Nikitin assists charities, centers for drug rehabilitation, alcohol addicted and resocialization of those released from prison. Becomes a member of the Board of Trustees of the Russian Federal Penitentiary Service (Main Directorate of the Federal Penitentiary Service). Plays an active role in the creation of programs to counter the spread of modern-day slavery - human trafficking. Actively speaks at OSCE sessions and the Helsinki Commission.
In 1998, in St. Petersburg, in partnership with the Faculty of radio, television and multimedia technologies Institute of Telecommunications of Bonch Bruevich, founded the Resurrection TV channel. Also begins broadcasting programs on regional TV channels 22, 36 and 40, which will become the basis for the further creation of Russian Broadcasting Network media group. Later on, together with partners he has acquires controlling shares of a number of St. Petersburg and Russian TV channels. In 2001 begins constant worldwide broadcasting on the Express AM-2 satellite.
From 2000 - 2003 – acquires a second higher educational degree at the Russian Orthodox Christian Humanitarian Academy and a diploma in religious studies.
In 2004 creates the Russian Broadcasting Network, which includes a number of television channels that broadcast in over 180 countries around the world, in many of which he opens representative offices and bureaus.
In 2008 he was elected Chairman of the World Christian Council, a major international forum that brings together representatives from 25 countries that reach across four continents. Igor Nikitin cooperates with journalists and editors of major media organizations around the world, taking an active part in international congresses and Russian media forums, including the Congress of the World Association of Russian Press; international exhibitions and CSTB forums; and National Religious Broadcasters telecommunications exhibition in the United States.
In 2009 he was elected chairman of the World Press Association (WPA).
In 2013 he becomes a member of the Presidium of the Helping Hand coalition which serves to help Russian-speaking veterans and survivors of the Holocaust. In their support, Helping Hand, holds concerts and shows at such important areas as the Latrun and Jerusalem Arena, and helps in resolving humanitarian and social issues. The Helping Hand coalition has implemented a global international Year of Victory project, dedicated to the 70th anniversary of the Victory in the World War II. As a part of public diplomacy, Igor Nikitin visits different countries of the world that are home to a large number of Russian-speaking population. In addition to meetings with the audience of TV channels, he meets with representatives of the governments of these countries, including immigrants from Russia and CIS countries, to establish good relations and draw attention to the Russian-speaking citizens of these countries, their concerns and interests. In this activity, which continues for more than 10 years, Igor Nikitin sees his personal ministry to Russian-speaking people living in different countries of the world, and defense of their rights and interests.
Igor Nikitin was married, and had three children.
He on October 27, 2015 as a result of a prolonged illness.
Honors
Igor Nikitin has received numerous international awards and prizes, including for the peace making in the Middle East. Among friends and associates of Igor Nikitin are well-known politicians, businessmen, athletes, clergy, and culture and art professionals. He has received letters of appreciation from the leaders of the Israeli government and the Israeli Knesset.
Views
Supported peace in the Middle East, defends traditional family values, has been critical of modern-day slavery.