Radio Television of Serbia

Радио-телевизија Србије (РТС)
Radio-televizija Srbije (RTS)

Type	Radio and television
Country	Serbia
Availability	National International (via RTS SAT and rts.rs)
Slogan	Ваше право да знате све (Your right to know everything) Гледај.Слушај.Мисли (Watch.Listen.Think)
Key people	Aleksandar Tijanić (General-Director) Nenad Lj. Stefanović (head of news division)
Launch date	March 24, 1929 (radio) August 23, 1958 (television)
Former names	Radio-televizija Beograd (RTB) (1958-1992)
Official Website	www.rts.rs m.rts.rs

Radio Television of Serbia or Serbian Broadcasting Corporation (Serbian: Радио-телевизија Србије (PTC) or Radio-televizija Srbije) 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

RTS office headquarters in central Belgrade

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 February 13, 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 Nadj, 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 December 31, 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

Building of RTS damaged in NATO strike

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. In 1992 RTB, together with Radio Televizija Novi Sad (RTNS) and Radio Televizija Pristina (RTP) became a part of Radio Television of Serbia, centralized and closely governed network aimed to be a loudspeaker for Slobodan 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.^[1]

On April 23, 1999, the NATO air force killed sixteen people, mostly technical staff, when they bombed the RTS headquarters in downtown Belgrade. In 2002, Dragoljub Milanović, the general manager of RTS, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on the grounds that he had not ordered the workers in the building to evacuate, despite allegedly knowing that the building would probably be bombed.^[2] Amnesty International has described the NATO attack as a war crime. ^[3]

On October 5, 2000, the same RTS building was demolished and partly burned during the riots against Slobodan Milošević. After October 5, 2000, RTS was sometimes called Nova RTS (New RTS) to symbolize the liberation from the control of the Slobodan Milošević regime.^[4]

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.^[5]

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 November 26, 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.^[6] During 2008 the networks web presentations was greatly improved. By the end of 2009 RTS will receive a complete visual new look which will include the reformatting of all introducing jingles, the logo and the studio.

Eurovision 2008 was produced jointly by RTS and the EBU

The RTS Culture and Arts (or simply known as RTS Digital) channel began broadcasting on November 26, 2008 in DVB-T format. It is Serbia's first digital network.

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.^[7]

RTS today

Jovana Janković is a popular RTS1 host

The system is officially divided into the Vojvodina and Serbia public broadcasting systems as of May 2006. This is to mark a transition from a state-owned to a public broadcaster. This bears legal and practical connotation, in terms of control and financing. RTS now consists of two channels instead of three. These changes were imposed on May 5, 2006 when RTS was divided in two parts: JSS (Public Service of Serbia) and JSV (Public Service of Vojvodina).

Televizija Beograd, a part of RTS with headquarters in Belgrade have several TV studios: in addition to two largest studios on Kosutnjak (studio VIII and IX), there is also TV studio (Studio IV) on Belgrade Fair, historically the first TV studio in Serbia, and several studios in Aberdareva St. (some of these studio have been destroyed during NATO attack).

Televizija Beograd has large archives of TV programs. 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 extensive collection of newsreels, short filmed stories, and feature films on 16 mm and 35 mm tapes. This archive required urgent protection, since tapes are not kept in proper conditions, and since Televizija Beograd does not have proper equipment to transfer the programs to newer media (the situation is especially critical for quadruplex and film archive).

RTS' record label PGP-RTS

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).

2009

RTS has bought rights to broadcast the following notable events in 2009 (so far).

RTS has announced that it has already bought rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League 2009–10, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.^[11]

News division

Nataša Jeremić, Dnevnik 2, anchor woman

RTS has the most watched news and current affairs programmes, according to the AGB Nilsen Serbian ratings. RTS has many news and current affairs shows. Its most watched news bulletin Dnevnik 2 airs on RTS nightly at 19.30 and is the most watched news bulletin in Serbia since 2003. Although RTS is facing increased competition from a private television network B92, it has managed to beat RTV Pink's news bulletin which airs at the same time as Dnevnik. Dnevnik has recovered its reputation after the Slobodan Milošević era. It now averages 1.500.000 - 2.000.000 viewers nightly.^[12] RTS also has a range of other news and current affair shows.

On August 23, 2008 the 50th anniversary of Dnevnik (the RTS news bulletin) was celebrated. A special edition of the 19.30 Dvenik 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 August 23, 2008 received a flat screen television set from RTS.

The following are news and current affairs aired on RTS (as of December 2009):

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 January 15, 2009 is the most watched scripted drama episode in Serbian broadcasting history with over 3 million viewers.^[13]

The following is a list of entertainment programmes produced by RTS and aired by RTS (correct as of December 2009):

Dušica Spasić and Branko Veselinović, Morning Programme, co-hosts

Drama series (correct as of December 2009)

• Jesen stiže, Dunjo moja (Goose feather)
• Bela lađa (White Boat)
• Ono kao ljubav (Something like love)
• Greh njene majke (Her mother's sin)

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 (correct as of December 2009):

Original name	Serbian translation	Channel	Origin
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation	Место злочина (Mesto zločina)	RTS1
My Name Is Earl	Зовем се Ерл (Zovem se Erl)	RTS1
Boston Legal	Бостонски адвокати(Bostonski advokati)	RTS2
The Riches	Ричијеви (Ričijevi)	RTS1
Hannah Montana	Хана Монтана (Hana Montana)	RTS1
Garfield and Friends	Гарфилд и пријатељи(Garfild i prijatelji)	RTS2

Iconic programmes

“Skočko”, mascot of the longest running game show in the Balkans, TV Slagalica

• TV Slagalica (English: TV Puzzle) is the longest running quiz show in the Balkans. On September 22, 2008 the quiz show entered its 44th season. It has been on RTS programming for over 14 years and has always been a solid performer in the ratings.^[14]
• 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: Written off) 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 displays the strong personalities people from this region of Serbia are known to have. The show often has 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 January 19, 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 repreated 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, exluding the Belgrade area.

Television

From 2008 until 2011, RTS will introduce 5 new high definition channels. These channels will be specially dedicated and will include sports, programming for women, children's programming, 24-hour news channel and a culture channel.

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. (Experimental color broadcasting started in 1965)

RTS Culture and Arts (RTS Digital)

RTS Digital logo

The RTS Culture and Arts (or simply known as RTS Digital) channel began broadcasting on November 26, 2008 in DVB-T format. The network airs classical musical and jazz performances and will broadcast various concerts as well as ballet performances.It is not available in the entire country , but only in the vicinity of Belgrade and Novi Sad.It is also available through IPTV. Experimental DVB-T broadcasting of this channel,as RTS4, started earlier in 2005.

RTS HD

RTS HD, the first high-definition television channel in Serbia, launched on September 9, 2009 at 9 pm (09/09/09 at 09 pm) with the live broadcast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match between Serbia and France.Although it is considered a regular RTS channel , it doesn't have a regular program scheme because random clips are broadcasted instead of regular programming.

For now it is only available in the Belgrade area.^[15]

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.

RTS Internet

In accordance to the EBU, RTS offers live programming on its internet website of its radio and television networks.

Discontinued Channels

• RTS 3K - Third channel (since July 1, 1989 until May 5, 2006)
• RTS Priština (since 1975 until June 10, 1999)
• TVNS, later RTS NS 1 - divided from RTS and transformed in RTV 1 (2006)
• TVNS plus, later RTS NS 2 - divided from RTS and transformed in 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 B92. After years of stagnation at the beginning of the 21st century in the ratings, 2006 saw a revival. Since 2006, RTS established itself as the most watched network in Serbia.^[16]

2009

The following table shows the most popular RTS programmes broadcast so far in 2009:^[17][18]

* All ratings listed above our based on AGB Nielsen Media Research. All ratings are based upon viewer ratings in Serbia excluding the region of Kosovo.

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. The new slogan will soon be accompanied by a new logo, and 5 new television channels created by RTS.

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

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

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

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

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Radio Television of Serbia

External links

• Radio Television of Serbia (Serbian)

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