Moscow - Walt Disney has applied to Russian authorities for permission to form a joint venture with broadcaster Media-One Holdings to launch a family channel on
30 stations in Russia, local media reported on Wednesday.

Disney would hold 49 per cent stake in the Russian television venture, invest cash and provide programming and marketing expertise. Media-One is to stand as the majority shareholder.

The channel is set to be launched next year, pending approval by Russia's regulatory authorities, in what is one of the world's fastest growing media markets.

Disney plans to operate on a free-to-air basis in Russia, populating the new channel with Russian-dubbed Disney shows usually only available via satellite or cable television.

The company did not disclose the size of its investment, Russian media reported.

Disney has been active in Russia since 2006 with local retail and licensing businesses. Its musical Beauty and the Beast is now playing in Moscow and Disney-branded content is provided via mobile phone and Internet to Russian subscribers.

The California-based studio is also filming its first feature movie, The Book of Masters, produced in Russia. (dpa)