Aggregator will unveil its first programming in September with 400 hours of content per month on a subscription or pay-per-view basis, targeting the estimated one million Russian-speaking people in the UK.
The plan is being spearheaded by chief executive Martin Goswami, who spent four years as Sky's commercial chief before parting company with the satellite giant.
Director of programming at the new venture is Chris Griffin, a former MTV executive who went on to run channels at Granada.
Russian programming will include children's TV, documentaries and news, and Aggregator plans to sell sponsorship opportunities and attract advertiser-funded content. At least two other foreign language services will follow this year,and will, initially, be available only via PC. However, the firm's founders are in negotiation with Freeview PVR manufacturers to enable its content to be compatible with a new generation of digital terrestrial television boxes due for production next year, complete with broadband connection.
Griffin said: "We don't see this as about taking on the giants like Sky or BT. We may not be a threat to ITV's business model, but what we'll be able to offer to advertisers is very specific, targeted audiences."
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