Песня года is an annual Russian music gala and former Soviet televised music festival. First held in 1971, it became the main event of the year for Soviet singers and musical groups. Песня года is traditionally recorded in December and aired on television in early January, as part of the New Year's festivities. Up to 2004 Channel One Russia was the official TV broadcaster of the national finals (former Programme One of Soviet Central Television with a break in 1992), today Russia 1 serves as the official TV partner since 2006.