Radio Television of Serbia

Radio Television of Serbia or Serbian Broadcasting Corporation^[1] is the public broadcaster in Serbia. It broadcasts and produces a variety of news, drama, and sports programming through radio, television and the Internet. RTS is, since July 2001, a member of the European Broadcasting Union. RTS is also the biggest broadcaster in the former Yugoslavia and the Balkans. Formerly, it was known as Radio Television Belgrade (RTB).

History

Radio Belgrade started broadcasting in 1929, and this is considered the founding moment of the Serbian broadcasting system. The first news announcer in 1929 was Jelena Bilbija. After World War II, Radio Television Belgrade (RTB), consisting of Radio Belgrade and Television Belgrade (TVB) was established as a result of the decision by the Executive Council of the Socialist Republic of Serbia on 13 February 1958. This came after the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia's government decision of 1956 to invest in a television network.

23 August 1958 was the date of the first televised broadcast. It was the Dnevnik (Journal) news programme. The first people to appear on the new TV station were Miloje Orlović, Branislav Surutka, Olga Nađ, Olivera Živković and Vera Milovanović. The first RTB program was broadcast from Beogradski sajam (Belgrade fair) and from a new TV Studio build there. As of 1961, RTS used the delayed airing equipment (quadruplex VTR). The Sixties saw dramatic development in all genres of TV programs. TVB became famous by its sitcoms (directed and written by Radivoje-Lola Djukić, Novak Novak and others (unfortunately, only a small percentage of this production is preserved, due to implicit censorship and lack of tapes). Also, TVB had excellent documentary program (series Karavan, Reflektor and others) and quizzes. By 1970 the entire territory of Serbia was covered by the RTS signal. On 31 December 1971, TVB started with broadcast in PAL color system on its second network. A new AM broadcast equipment in Zvecka, Obrenovac, with 2000 kW transmitter was erected in 1976.

After the political turmoil in seventies (against the "liberals") the program of RTB became more sterile, however, in eighties it reached the zenith.

The Slobodan Milošević era

The establishment of regime of Slobodan Milošević led RTB to the worst days in its history. Hundreds of experienced journalists and other creative people were first sent to lay-offs and then fired since they could not agree with propaganda broadcast on RTB frequencies. On 9 March 1991 protest Serbian opposition attacked state television building, calling it "TV Bastille". In 1992 Radio Television Belgrade, together with Radio Television Novi Sad (RTNS) and Radio Television Pristina (RTP) became a part of Radio Television of Serbia, centralized and closely governed network aimed to be a loudspeaker for Miloševic and his policy. The worst part of TV programming during the nineties was Dnevnik (Daily news) which was used to glorify "wise politics of Slobodan Milošević" and to attack "servants of Western powers, forces of chaos and despair", i.e., Serbian opposition.^[2]

The Serbian media during Milošević's era was accused of embracing "Serb nationalism" and promoting "xenophobia" toward the other ethnicities in Yugoslavia.^[3] Serbian state media during the wars featured controversial reportage which villainized the other ethnic factions. These repeatedly negative media depictions of the opposing ethnic factions have been said to have been examples of Milošević's state media promoting fear-mongering and to inflame the Serbian people to support the Yugoslav wars.^[4] The station continued to draw little or no attention to acts of war carried out by Serbs, Croatian and Muslim atrocities – unreported in countries opposed to Yugoslavia – were broadcast daily, provoking a desire among the Serbs and Montenegrins to seek revenge.^[5] U.S. embassy staff said that Radio Television of Serbia reported that the Croats and Muslims were raping nuns and killing babies. The media appeared to be escalating the conflict towards a genocide.^[5]

During the Bosnian war, when Sarajevo were under siege, shelled by Bosnian Serb forces supplied and reinforced by Belgrade, Radio Television of Serbia broadcasted reports showing a still photo from Sarajevo in the 1980s, untouched.^[7][8]

During the Kosovo war, Serbian state media denied Vučitrn massacre and Gornje Obrinje massacre, both committed by the Serbian Police on 26 September 1998. A Serbian television report described the BBC accounts of atrocities committed by Serbian police in Kosovo as "lies and manipulation".^[9] Moreover, Radio Television of Serbia never showed the 800,000 Kosovar Albanians expelled by Serbian police and paramilitaries (see Operation Horseshoe), except when a convoy of fleeing Kosovars was killed by NATO bombs.^[7]

On 23 April 1999, the NATO air force bombed the RTS headquarters in downtown Belgrade, and killed sixteen people, mostly technical staff. In 2002, Dragoljub Milanović, the general manager of RTS, was sentenced to 10 years in prison because he had not ordered the workers in the building to evacuate, despite knowing that the building would be bombed.^[10] Amnesty International has described the NATO attack as a war crime.^[11]

On 5 October 2000, the same RTS building was demolished and partly burned during the riots against Slobodan Milošević. For some time after 5 October 2000, RTS was officially called Nova RTS (New RTS) to symbolize the liberation from the control of the Slobodan Milošević regime and a beginning of a new period in broadcaster's history.^[12]

Post-Milošević era

After the fall of the regime of Slobodan Milošević, RTS underwent through a phase of reconstruction in order to regain respect amongst audiences, lost during the '90s. Particular emphasis was put on news programming which suffered greatly during the '90s. In 2006 RTS became the most watched television network in Serbia and has held this title ever since.

In early 2006 RTS decided to shut down one of its television channels. 3K (Treći kanal RTS-a) was a music and sports channel.

In 2007, BBC World Service Trust launched an extensive training programme at Serbia's national broadcaster. This 30-month project, which is funded by the European Union, is providing extensive journalism, craft and management training to all levels of staff at the national broadcaster.^[13]

In 2008, RTS underwent major changes as it celebrated 50 years of existence. The network launched its digital network which uses DTT Digital terrestrial television via several DVB-T transmitters. It has also invested millions in new technology. The new high-definition television system was first put in place in May for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest while on 26 November 2008, RTS began airing its new channel ‘’RTS Culture and Arts’’ which is a DTT-only channel, transmitted in 16:9 standard definition format, with stereo and 5.1 digital audio.^[14] During 2008 the networks web presentations was greatly improved.

On 23 August 2008, the 50th anniversary of Dnevnik (the RTS news bulletin) was celebrated. A special edition of the 19.30 Dnevnik was aired with Mića Orlović, the first newsreader to host the news in Serbia, hosted the special addition helped by Dušanka Kalanj, the first female newsreader in Serbia. The theme of the evening's news included a reflection on the past 50 years a projection of the future as well as the news of the day. The weather was read out by Kamenko Katić, the first weather anchor. All babies born on 23 August 2008, received a flat screen television set from RTS.

On 9 September 2009, at 21.00 CET, RTS launched its first high definition channel – RTS HD.

In 2011, RTS issued a written apology to the citizens of Serbia and former Yugoslavia for its actions during the regime of Slobodan Milošević and the break up Yugoslavia. The letter apologises for the network’s senseless reporting and the hurt it caused to the public. It vows never to let history repeat itself.^[15]

Eurovision Song Contest 2008

See: Eurovision Song Contest 2008

RTS was the host broadcaster of the semi-final and finals of the Eurovision Song Contest 2008. Serbia gained the rights to host the contest after Marija Šerifović's 2007 victory in Helsinki, Finland. The Eurovision Song Contest 2008 was held in Belgrade. RTS broadcast the event as usual (since 2004) on RTS1. The host couple were Jovana Janković and Željko Joksimović. The rating of the final of Eurovision was overwhelming with 4.560.000 people tuning in to watch making it the most watched event on Serbian television as well as on RTS.^[16]

RTS today

RTS has several TV studios: in addition to two largest studios on Košutnjak (studio VIII and IX), there is also a TV studio (Studio IV) at the Belgrade Fair, the first TV studio in Serbia, and several studios in Aberdareva St.

RTS has large archives of TV programmes . In addition to 5000+ old VTR quadruplex tapes, the archive contains tapes in VTR-C (helicoidal), umatic, beta-SP and digital formats. Also, the archive contains an extensive collection of newsreels, short filmed stories, and feature films on 16 mm and 35 mm tapes.

PGP-RTS is a music production company owned by the television network. PGP-RTS started with production in 1958 under the name PGP-RTB, with the LP record of Đorđe Marjanović, and used to be one of two largest record labels in the former Yugoslavia. Today, it is the third largest record label in Serbia (after Grand Production and City Records).

Programming

News division

RTS has the most watched news and current affairs programmes in the country, according to the AGB Nilsen Serbian ratings. The centrepiece of RTS’ news programming is the Dnevnik (English: Journal), which is the network’s main news programme and aired on RTS1. The Dnevnik bulletins are aired at 8:00 (runs for approximately 25 minutes), midday during workweek and 13:00 Saturdays and Sundays (around 15 minutes, excluding Sports Review and Weather forecast), 19.30 (between 35 and 40 minutes) and at midnight (approximately 20 minutes). The flagship (evening) Dnevnik has been the most watched news programme in Serbia since 2003, averaging between 1.500.000 – 2.000.000 viewers nightly.^[17] All of the Dnevnik bulletins are aired daily. News headlines are usually aired at the top of the hour and last for five minutes.

RTS’ news programmes are produced in Belgrade, however the network has a total of 24 news offices in the country. RTS also has its own correspondents and offices outside of Serbia in:

The network also has a range of free lance reporters based both internationally and throughout Serbia. Nenad Lj. Stefanović is the current head of news and current affairs at Radio Television Serbia.

RTS also has a range of other news and current affair shows. The following are news and current affairs aired on RTS (as of July 2011):

Sport

RTS is a major player in Serbian sports broadcasting. RTS broadcast its first Summer Olympic Games in 1996 (previously the Olympics were broadcast in Serbia through Yugoslav Radio Television, JRT) and has held broadcasting rights for the Olympic Games ever since.

RTS also holds rights to broadcast the Dakar Rally, Australian Open, Fed Cup, Winter Olympic Games, Davis Cup, Serbia Open, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, FIBA World Championship, European Water Polo Championship, European Men's Handball Championship, US Open, Roland Garros, Universiade, European Athletics Championships, European Volleyball League (both men's and women's), FIVB World League, FIVB Men's World Championship, Premier League, ATP Masters Series (Serbian players only), ATP tour, Tour de France and FIVB Women's World Championship.

Locally, the network holds rights to air some Serbian SuperLiga matches. It has exclusive rights to the Serbian Cup. RTS is the host broadcaster of the Serbia Open tennis tournament. It was also the host broadcaster of the 2009 Universiade and the 2007 European Youth Summer Olympic Festival. Major sporting events are aired on RTS1, especially if a Serbian team or athlete is participating while all other sports broadcasting is aired on RTS2. RTS began its HD transmission with the qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup between Serbia and France. The network has several shows which are specially dedicated to sports, aired on both RTS1 and RTS2.

Entertainment

The RTS Entertainment division is largely based on local production of Serbian drama programmes, soaps and musical programmes. Recently RTS has started investing more in local drama and as a result has been rewarded with high ratings. An episode of the RTS drama Ranjeni orao aired on 15 January 2009, is the most watched scripted drama episode in Serbian broadcasting history with over 3 million viewers.^[18]

RTS also broadcasts various world entertainment events as part of its entertainment programming including the Vienna New Year's Concert. The network has transferred a lot of its cultural programming and documentaries, originally broadcast on RTS2, to the RTS Culture and Arts channel. The network holds rights to air major entertainment events such as the Eurovision Song Contest, Junior Eurovision Song Contest and the Joy of Europe competition. In 2008, RTS produced the 53rd Eurovision Song Contest. Dejan Gligorijević is the head of the entertainment division at the network.

The following is a list of entertainment programmes produced and aired by RTS (as of October 2011):

The following is a list of drama series produced and aired by RTS (as of October 2011)

• Nepobedivo srce
• Cvat lipe na Balkanu
• Jagodići
• Vojna akademija
• Zaboravljeni umovi Srbije

RTS also relies on dramas and soaps produced outside of Serbia as well as documentary programmes.

The following is a list of internationally created shows currently broadcast by RTS (as of October 2011):

Soon on RTS: "^[19] ", :

Iconic programmes

• TV Slagalica (English: TV Puzzle) is the longest running quiz show in the Balkans. On 22 September 2008 the quiz show entered its 44th season. It is still airing today. It has been on RTS programming for over 14 years and has always been a solid performer in the ratings.^[20]
• Bolji život (English: A better life) is one of the most iconic Yugoslav shows ever produced. Made during the '80s and '90s it works through the problems of a few families. The show brought in huge ratings for the network during its dark days of the '90s and after the production of the show ceased RTS has continually repeated all episodes.
• Otpisani (English: Disposable Heroes) is a 1970s Serbian TV series, aired on RTS, based around youths from the resistance movement in Nazi-occupied Belgrade that are high on the Gestapo's termination list. The series has achieved something of a cult status among its audience. The television series has been encored a total of seven times.
• Selo gori, a baba se češlja (English: The village is burning) is the most successful, long running, television series aired on RTS. The story revolves around country people in central Serbia and a special father-son relationship. Through humour, the show displayed the strong personalities people from this region of Serbia are known to have. The show often had over 3 million viewers per episode making the most watched in Serbia.
• Ranjeni orao (English: Wounded eagle) based on the novel by Serbian author Mir Jam, the 17-episode show premiered in December, 2008. Produced by Zdravko Šotra, the show had a cast of popular Serbian actors, most notably Sloboda Mićalović, Ivan Bosiljčić and Dragan Nikolić. The show is based in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia between the two world wars and centres around the love life of Anđelka Bojanić. The show received extremely positive critical reviews and outstanding ratings. The show’s final episode on 19 January 2009 was watched by 3.277.000 people, making it the most watched television show in Serbia. Due to viewer requests, once the show ended it was immidietly reprised in primetime, making it the fastest repreaed show on RTS. In its repeats it also managed to produce extremely high ratings.

Radio

Radio Belgrade 1

The goal of Radio Belgrade 1 is to provide comprehensive news and current affairs programmes to the public. The radio station also offers entertainment and culture shows.

Radio Belgrade 2 and 3

RTS Radio 2 is a cultural station based around social dialogue which constantly broadcasts thoughts about life and creation abroad and in Serbia. The station shares the same radio waves as RTS Radio 3. RTS 2 is broadcast from six in the morning until eight in the evening. The station is known for documentary reporting, religious discussions classical music, evergreen, jazz and satire. RTS Radio 3 is broadcast from 20.00 until 06.00.

Belgrade 202

This Radio station broadcasts in whole Serbia. It broadcasts short news segments, rock and pop music. Hosts of various music programmes on the radio often ask listeners to send in their thoughts via SMS or the Internet. Belgrade 202 also has a special morning programme broadcast from 06.00 until 09.00. which is based around current cultural, social and political trends.

Stereorama

Stereorama is a radio station which broadcasts music and talk shows in Serbia, excluding the Belgrade area.

Television

From 2008 until April 2011, RTS will introduce 8 new high definition channels. These channels will be specially dedicated and will include: a sports channel, 24-hour news channel, music channel, documentary channel, culture channel, entertainment channel and a regional channel which will broadcast different programming in different parts of the country.^[21]

RTS1

RTS1 is the public and national broadcaster of Serbia which usually wins each year with the highest ratings in Serbia. RTS1 offers viewers political shows and debates and domestic and international shows. RTS1 prides itself for being the network with the most domestic shows which it funds itself. RTS1 airs a range of locally produced dramas which are highly successful with viewers, constantly ranking as the most watched television shows in Serbia. This is particularly true for the notable television series "Selo gori, a baba se češlja". RTS1 was launched on 23 August 1958 as the Televizija Beograd (TVB).

RTS2

Like its radio counterpart, RTS2 focuses on culture, in addition to offering music and sporting events. Parliamentary sittings are also broadcast live on RTS2. Though on average it doesn't draw high viewer ship, RTS2 often may win the viewing day with special sporting events and special parliamentary debates. RTS2 also broadcasts children's and educational programmes and reruns of old Serbian drama and comedy programmes. RTS2 has broadcasting rights for the following sport events Premier League, FA Cup and Grand Slam tournaments. RTS2 broadcast the 2008 Summer Olympics together with RTS1.

It was launched on 31 December 1971 as the Televizija Beograd 2 (TVB 2), and was Yugoslavia's first color television channel and made Televizija Beograd renamed Televizija Beograd 1 at the same time. (Experimental color broadcasting started in 1965)

RTS Culture and Arts (RTS Digital)

The RTS Culture and Arts (or simply known as RTS Digital) channel began broadcasting on 26 November 2008 in DVB-T format. The network airs classical musical and jazz performances and broadcasts various concerts as well as ballet performances. Among other things, the channel broadcasts the Vienna New Year's Concert and the Eurovision Song Contest live each year. Experimental DVB-T broadcasting of this channel, as RTS4, began in 2005.

RTS HD

RTS HD, the first high-definition television channel in Serbia, launched on 9 September 2009 at 9 pm (9 September 2009 at 09 pm) with the live broadcast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Serbia and France. For now it is only available in the Belgrade and Novi Sad area.^[22]

RTS SAT

RTS SAT is the name of RTS's satellite service created to serve the Serbian diaspora across the world. It broadcasts the most popular programmes from RTS1 and RTS2. RTS SAT now covers Australia, Europe and North America. This channel was launched on 14 May 1991.

RTS Internet

In accordance to the EBU, RTS offers live programming on its internet website of its radio and television networks. RTS launched its website during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

Discontinued Channels

• RTS 3K – Third channel (since 1 July 1989 until 5 May 2006)
• RTS Priština (since 1975 until 10 June 1999)
• TVNS, later RTS NS 1 – divided from RTS and transformed into RTV 1 (2006)
• TVNS plus, later RTS NS 2 – divided from RTS and transformed into RTV 2 (2006)

Ratings

RTS enjoys high ratings on many of its shows which often beat the other two most popular television networks in Serbia RTV Pink and Prva. Since 2006, RTS established itself as the most watched network in Serbia.^[23]

The following table shows the most popular RTS programmes broadcast so far in 2011: (as of October 2011)^[24]

* All ratings listed above are based on AGB Nielsen Media Research. All ratings are based upon a sample of 6.941.988 viewers in Serbia excluding the region of Kosovo.^[25]

Taglines

In 2000, after the network stopped being Slobodan Milošević's propaganda outlet, the RTS's new slogan and tagline became "/Nova Radio Televizija Srbije/" (New Radio Television of Serbia). This stopped after some time when it was established that RTS is no longer heavily government controlled. In 2005 it introduced the slogan "/Javni medijski servis evropske Srbije/" (The public broadcaster of a European Serbia) in the wake of Serbia's integration into the European community. In late 2007 the network introduced the slogan "/Javni medijski servis Srbije, vaše pravo da znate sve/" (The public broadcaster of Serbia, your right to know everything). In early 2008 private television network B92 made an unsubstantiated allegation that RTS intentionally removed the word "European" from its promos because it was following the politics of the Democratic Party of Serbia which has become less enthusiastic at the prospect of Serbia joining the European Union due to the Kosovo independence issue. In actuality, RTS continues to use both the "/Javni medijski servis Srbije, vaše pravo da znate sve/" slogan and the "/Javni medijski servis evropske Srbije/" slogan, broadcasting them alternatively.

In September 2008, RTS introduced a new slogan to celebrate its 50 years of existence.

2008-2008: Gledaj.Slušaj.Misli. (Watch.Listen.Think.)

since 2007: Radio Televizija Srbije, vaše pravo da znate sve. (Radio Television Serbia, your right to know everything.)

since 2005: Javni medijski servis evropske Srbije. (The public broadcaster of a European Serbia.)

2000–2001: Nova Radio Televizija Srbije. (New Radio Television of Serbia)

References

External links

• Official website (Serbian)