Vladislav Listyev was a famous TV reporter and the general director of ORT (1st Channel). He started his career as one of the hosts of the Vzglyad (View) program, extremely popular in its time (broadcasting company ViD). Subsequently he was the first anchorperson of the entertaining TV show Pole Chudes and initiated a few popular TV projects, such as Tema (Theme), Ugadai melodiu (Name that Tune), Chas Pik (Rush Hour). Vladislav Listyev became one of the most popular people in the country. After becoming the general director of ORT Channel he started development of the new concept of the 1st Channel: he wanted the channel to get rid of commercials. Obviously, his initiatives didn't suit those who needed ORT Channel for their political aims. As a result, Vladislav Listyev was shot dead at the entrance of his house on March, 1st, 1995. He had been taking the post of the general director of ORT for 34 days only.

The murder of Vladislav Listyev came as a shock for entire country. The Establishment at once made appropriate big promises and swore to solve the crime. The investigation of this sensational murder, however, still goes on formally, with the case materials already forming an incalculable number of volumes.

Vlad Listyev was laid to rest at the Vagankovsky Cemetery in Moscow. His grave is close to the cemetery entrance.

Memory:
On March, 1st, 2010 the 1st Channel and the Russian Television Academy established Vladislav Listyev Award for merits in development of the Russian television. It will be awarded once a year. The first winner of Vlad Listyev Award was announced on November, 25th, 2010. It was the well-known journalist and TV host Leonid Parfyonov.

Asteroid 4004 was named Listyev in honour of Vladislav Listyev.