Russian lawmakers gave initial backing on Tuesday to a draft law limiting foreign ownership of Russian media to 20 percent from the existing ceiling of 50 percent, a move that critics say will reinforce the dominance of outlets loyal to the Kremlin.
With only one vote against the proposal, the draft law passed the first of three readings in the State Duma, parliament's lower chamber, with the backing of 434 members.
If the bill passes the remaining readings and is signed into force by President Vladimir Putin, the new rules would take effect in 2016, giving media owners until February 2017 to adjust their ownership structure.
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