Rossiyskaya gazeta, (Moscow)- August 25, 2005

NEW YEAR SEEMS TO BE THE MOST LOVED AND THE MOST OFTEN PARTICIPATED FESTIVITY FOR ALL PEOPLE. HOWEVER, ONLY FEW RUSSIAN CITIZENS KNOW THAT TRULY, A NEW YEAR COMMENCES NOT IN JANUARY, BUT MUCH EARLIER - IN SEPTEMBER. IN THE FIRST AUTUMN MONTH, THE RUSSIAN POLITICAL AND BUSINESS ELITE COMMEMORATES THE START OF A NEW BUSINESS YEAR.

Why September of all months? There are a lot of reasons for this, but the main one is the following: by the start of autumn, the majority of people are back from their vacation and they are thinking not about how to spend money but how to earn it. They may think about a new job, about new projects. They are eyeing their rivals. They collect needed information.

For months, the start of a new business year has remained almost unseen by the public. And the start of a new business year is not the only reason for one more festivity. More likely it is some kind of a scratch not only for the state (this is the deadline for adopting the state budget for the following year), but also for the whole business community. The commencement of a new business year signals the start of a new high-society season in Russia's capital, a season for fashion trendsetters, connoisseurs and art worshippers.

Modern businesses cannot boast many traditions, since they are too young. One of them could be easily named: a new business season starts with festivities marking the anniversary of launching RBC TV - the first and the only business television in Russia. It is hard to image an office of a well-to-do company without a business TV channel providing viewers with hot political and economic news 24 hours a day and offering analysis as well. RBC TV has developed into a full-fledged partner for Russia's business elite from being first simply an information source.

The Business New Year fest organized by RBC in the Gostiny Dvor hall on September 2 is not a corporate event. The Gostiny Dvor hall is waiting for 1,000 guests. Major policymakers for the Russian economy: heads of Russian businesses, ministers, and leading politicians have been invited for the party. This is a present for partners and friends of the business TV channel and it could be named one of the major high-society events for Moscow in autumn.

Vladimir Spivakov and his orchestra will open RBC TV's birthday. Svyatoslav Belza and Andris Liepa will host the fest. Oleg Lundstrem's orchestra, Stas Namin and other famous actors will participate. And like a true New Year fest, this event will offer presents, music and surprises for its participants.