The High Representative, Wolfgang Petritsch, today issued a Decision to remove Radio Television of Republika Srpska from a list of companies scheduled for privatisation. The High Representative holds that RT RS must remain publicly owned to ensure that it is restructured as an effectively run and sustainably funded public broadcaster which serves the interests of all citizens in Republika Srpska.
This decision follows a series of consultations with the previous Government and the Privatisation Agency in the RS, as well as public statements from OHR where it was made clear that RTRS could not be privatised.
There has been limited interest from voucher holders in RT RS and this Decision directs the RS authorities to ensure that any submitted privatisation vouchers are returned to investors.
The Decision is fully in line with the High Representative’s Second Decision to Restructure the Public Broadcasting System in BiH, issued in October 2000. This envisages the restructuring of RT RS, which desperately needs financial stability following years of mismanagement.
The High Representative will continue to back the public broadcasting reform process outlined in his Second Decision, including the provision of technical and material assistance to help improve the service for the benefit of all citizens in RS.