Volgograd-TRV Restates Dismissals Over Post-Party Attire and Ethical Standards
Three employees of the state television and radio broadcasting company Volgograd-TRV, part of the regional branch GTRK Volgograd, were dismissed following an internal review that concluded their attire after a private gathering violated the channel’s ethical guidelines. The incident came to light through the organization’s official communications channel on Telegram, which outlined the sequence of events and the resulting disciplinary actions.
The investigation proceeded after concerns were raised about a private party that had not received management authorization. The internal review focused on whether the event and the employees’ conduct breached established codes of ethics and corporate behavior standards. Based on the findings, the company announced the termination of one presenter and two producers who were connected to the incident.
In addition to the dismissals, the leadership announced a formal reprimand for the deputy director overseeing television and radio operations. The deputy director in charge of personnel was informed that the team training and adherence to professional standards needed strengthening to prevent similar issues in the future.
Press coverage indicates that the cheerfully informal nature of the private party led to images being shared on social media. Photographs depicted two individuals dressed in distinctive outfits: one wearing a Harley Quinn-inspired costume and the other portraying a nun. The posts attracted public attention and spurred discussions about the boundaries between personal expression and professional responsibility for media staff.
The situation drew comment from critics in the media landscape. On 19 December, Sergei Sosedov, a public figure and television host, commented on the episode, comparing his own removal from a program to being dismissed from the channel. Sosedov’s remarks added to the broader conversation about personnel decisions within broadcast organizations and the consequences for public personalities who appear on screen.
Contextual reports note that the broader media industry has seen personnel changes in related productions, underscoring a climate where workplace ethics and public presentation continue to be closely scrutinized. The Volgograd case illustrates how private conduct and social media activity can intersect with professional obligations, especially for staff directly involved in on-air programming and public-facing roles. Organizations across the sector are increasingly emphasizing clear guidelines, ongoing ethics training, and robust oversight to ensure that employees understand the expectations tied to representing a state media outlet in the public eye. The episode serves as a reminder that accountability mechanisms remain a core feature of public broadcasting institutions, and that disciplinary actions may follow perceived lapses in professional conduct, even when actions occur outside the formal work environment.