08.11.1999 OHR / OSCE

Law on Radio-Television RS Must Be Respected

The Office of the High Representative and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe calls on the elected authorities of Republika Srpska to respect international principles of public service broadcasting. Radio and Television paid for by taxpayers must be free of political or governmental control or interference.

These principles are embodied in the legislation governing Radio-Television Republika Srpska.

The law on Radio-Television Republika Srpska (RT-RS) clearly states that the Board of Governors appoints the Director General.

According to Article 15, “The Director General of Radio Television of Republika Srpska shall be appointed by the Board of Governors for a five year mandate.”

The Republika Srpska National Assembly and Government have no legal role in the naming of the Director General. Public statements to the contrary carry no legal authority whatsoever. The Director General, Andjelko Kozomara, remains in his post.