Normal broadcasts have resumed, though protest messages continue

The journalists have been protesting against a takeover by the state-dominated Russian gas monopoly, Gazprom, at a shareholders' meeting earlier this week.

They began talks with representatives of Gazprom's proposed management team on Friday, but the meeting broke up without agreement.

Mr Turner leads a group of international investors bidding for a stake in the company which would ensure that no one party would have control of NTV.

'Difficult' situation

"It is my sincere hope that the journalists and employees of NTV, who comprise the true value of this company, remain patient and calm while we work to finalise a transaction that will ensure the long-term independence of their network," he said.

Ted Turner: Gazprom talks postponed

Mr Turner's representatives held talks with Deutsche Bank, who represent Gazprom, in London on Thursday.

However, a second round of talks planned for Friday was postponed, with the two sides agreeing only that they would continue in the coming days given the "difficult" situation at NTV.

Mr Turner has agreed to buy part of a 49.5% stake in NTV owned by its founder, the Russian tycoon Vladimir Gusinsky who is currently in Spain fighting extradition to Russia, where he is wanted on corruption charges.

Gazprom's choice as chairman of NTV, Alfred Kokh, has said he only wants to regulate the company's financial affairs.

Ultimatum

But he has also insisted that the editor-in-chief, Yevgeny Kiselyov, must go - a ruling the journalists do not accept.

Editor-in-chief Kiselyov: Backed by staff

At the conciliation talks on Friday journalists presented what they said was a constructive proposal, but the Gazprom side dismissed it as an ultimatum.

Journalists say the takeover by the state-dominated company is a crude attempt by the Kremlin to censor NTV's output.

After disrupting its schedule earlier this week, the station has resumed normal programming, although protest messages flash across the screen at intervals.

Western governments are continuing to express concern about the situation at NTV.

The State Department in Washington says it is watching developments closely.

US Spokesman Richard Boucher said on Thursday that NTV played an important role in the development of political and media pluralism in Russia.

He added: "It is important that the NTV editorial staff continue to exercise full control over news and information programming."

The issue of media freedom is also expected to figure highly during a visit to Russia next week by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder.