SARAJEVO, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Radiotelevision of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT) on Thursday suspended regular programming for one day amid a deepening financial crisis, marking the first such interruption since its establishment.
According to BHRT, mounting debts for taxes, salaries, electricity and heating have pushed the state broadcaster to the brink of collapse. Among its largest liabilities is a debt to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which has risen to around 22 million convertible marks (KM) (about 13.3 million U.S. dollars), including interest.
The deadline for settling the debt to the EBU expires in two days, raising the possibility of a prolonged blocking of BHRT's accounts, the broadcaster said.
To highlight the severity of the situation and the risk of shutdown, BHRT aired a black screen throughout the day, broadcasting only regular news programs at scheduled times.
Acting Director General Belmin Karamehmedovic said the financial crisis dates back to 2017 and questioned how long the broadcaster can continue operating, noting that about 60 percent of employees receive minimum wages. Program director Neda Tadic described the decision as difficult but unavoidable.
BHRT management called on the Parliamentary Assembly and the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina to provide urgent financial support.
EU Delegation Head Luigi Soreca earlier stressed that a stable and independent public broadcasting system remains a key EU priority for BiH, in line with the European Commission's 2019 Opinion outlining 14 reform priorities for the country's EU accession path. ■
