Bosnia and Herzegovina’s public broadcaster BHRT has shut down the majority of its television programming as mounting debts threaten the organisation’s ability to continue operating.
Black Screen Broadcast
To highlight the severity of the crisis, BHRT replaced its regular schedule with a black screen for most of the day, airing only news bulletins at scheduled times. The broadcaster described the decision as a last resort to draw attention to the urgent need for a solution.
BHRT officials have urged Bosnia and Herzegovina’s government and parliament to provide emergency funding to stabilise the organisation. Acting Director General Belmin Karamehmedović noted that the crisis has been developing for years and has now reached a critical point.
The Debts
BHRT faces substantial liabilities covering taxes, salaries, electricity and heating costs. One of the most significant debts is owed to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), amounting to roughly 22 million convertible marks (around €11 million), including interest. The deadline to settle this debt is imminent, raising the possibility that the broadcaster’s accounts could be blocked if payment is not made. Management has warned that without immediate financial assistance from state authorities, the broadcaster may be unable to continue fulfilling its role as a public service provider.
BHRT’s ongoing financial difficulties have long affected its ability to participate in European broadcasting projects, including Eurovision. The broadcaster has been unable to return to the contest in recent years due to outstanding debts to the EBU. Without a resolution, the current crisis could further delay any future comeback.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Eurovision History
Bosnia and Herzegovina were a mini-powerhouse in the Eurovision Song Contest in the time that they took part. Bosnia and Herzegovina debuted in Eurovision in 1993 with Fazla, singing the song ‘Sva bol svijeta’. The song placed 16th, scoring 27 points. Bosnia qualified for the final every single time bar once; their best result coming in 2006 with ‘Leija’ sung by Hari Mata Hari, which came third scoring 229 points in the Grand Final.
Bosnia and Herzegovina last participated in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2016 with Dalal and Deen featuring Ana Rucner and Jala. Singing the song ‘Ljubav Je’, unfortunately they failed to qualify – placing 11th in the Semi Final with 104 points. This marked the first time that Bosnia & Herzegovina was not in a final in its participation.
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News source : BHRT
Photo credits : BHRT
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