At a meeting with EBU representatives, the Speaker of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s House of Representatives, Šefik Džaferović, demonstrated a commitment to finding a solution for financing public service media (PSM) in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Radio and Television of Bosnia-Herzegovina (BHRT) has joined forces with the other two entity broadcasters from the Republic of Srpska – RTRS and Federal RTV - to try and find a new model for collecting broadcasting fees. The current method of collecting fees through fixed telephone line bills is unsustainable and the existing agreement expires on 30 June this year. The three broadcasters have developed a proposal for a collection model based on income tax. Other options being considered include collecting fees through electricity bills or cable operators.

Strong PSM is critical to the democratic process in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the development of independent and sustainable PSM will play an important role in the country’s integration into the European Union.

Following the meeting last week with the Speaker, BHRT, Federal RTV, the media and representatives of the international community, the EBU will continue to work to secure a sustainable solution for funding in Bosnia and Herzegovina.