State-owned media holding company All-Russia State Television and Radio Company (VGTRK) will be allowing media firm Rambler to use its rights-protected content for free on its Web sites, Lenta.ru reported Monday. The Russian-based Web enterprise will be able to feature video clips of the VGTRK TV channel Vesti as well as links to Vesti's site.

According to Lenta.ru, this is the first time VGTRK has signed an agreement without court interference. The contract will be valid for at least a year, but "after some time" the media holding firm will be implementing a fee for using its material.
Rambler Media Chief of Marketing Anton Terehov addressed the Web's problem with distribution of copyrighted material. He suggested that agreements have to be made between the largest players in the market.

VGTRK previously sued Web site Mail.ru for copyright violation, after users posted rights-protected video clips. A "peaceful" legal settlement was reached in November 2008.