{"id":175767,"date":"2025-04-19T17:58:53","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T15:58:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/serbiantimes.info\/en\/?p=175767"},"modified":"2025-04-19T18:07:26","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T16:07:26","slug":"rts-operates-deep-in-the-red-despite-massive-revenue-the-public-broadcaster-owes-millions-in-loans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/serbiantimes.info\/en\/rts-operates-deep-in-the-red-despite-massive-revenue-the-public-broadcaster-owes-millions-in-loans\/","title":{"rendered":"RTS OPERATES DEEP IN THE RED: Despite massive revenue, the public broadcaster owes millions in loans!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Although Radio Television of Serbia (RTS)<\/strong> brings in an annual income comparable to a highly successful company closely tied to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party\u2014one that typically reports multi-million-euro profits\u2014RTS continues to operate at a significant loss<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to official financial data, RTS earned an impressive \u20ac134 million in 2024<\/strong>, yet still ended the year with a deficit of around \u20ac2.6 million<\/strong>. And that\u2019s not all: in the years ahead, the public broadcaster faces the repayment of at least two major loans totaling nearly \u20ac12 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite its financial potential, RTS\u2014currently under blockade by protesting students<\/strong>\u2014struggles to achieve both financial stability and fulfill its role as a true public service broadcaster. Many critics argue it serves more as a state-controlled media outlet<\/strong> than as a voice for the public, and its financial woes only reinforce that picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest financial report<\/strong> reveals a troubling picture. In 2024, RTS collected 15,711,169,000 dinars<\/strong>\u2014roughly \u20ac134 million<\/strong>\u2014but still failed to turn a profit<\/strong>. The final balance sheet shows a loss of 310,301,000 dinars<\/strong>, or approximately \u20ac2.6 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As 2025 begins, RTS is not only starting in the red but is also saddled with debt. Official documentation confirms that the broadcaster must repay a \u20ac11.7 million loan from the Ministry of Finance<\/strong>, issued due to \u201ca continued lack of funds during the transition from budget-based funding to funding from RTV subscriptions and fees.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, RTS owes Bank Intesa about \u20ac500,000<\/strong>, and carries a long-term leasing liability of approximately \u20ac180,000<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the red ink, money has poured in from multiple sources. RTS is primarily funded by citizen-paid RTV subscription fees<\/strong>, which brought in 11.2 billion dinars (about \u20ac95.8 million)<\/strong> in 2024. Advertising revenue<\/strong> added another \u20ac28 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the broadcaster’s biggest challenges is its massive workforce<\/strong>: RTS employs 2,428 people<\/strong>. After taxes and contributions, this translates to an average monthly salary of around 135,000 dinars (approx. \u20ac1,150)<\/strong>. Not included in this figure are external collaborators. In 2024, RTS paid out nearly \u20ac4.8 million for freelance and author-related contracts<\/strong>, with an additional \u20ac1.1 million<\/strong> going to temporary and occasional work agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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