The Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina expresses its full support for BHRT at a time when this institution is facing the most difficult financial situation and serious threats to its survival.
“An independent, professional and financially stable public broadcaster is one of the key pillars of a democratic society – it guarantees pluralism, freedom of the media and the right of citizens to accurate, reliable and impartial information,” the Embassy of Slovakia said.
As they stated, the closure of BHRT would represent a major step backwards for democracy, the country’s international reputation and would mean that Bosnia and Herzegovina becomes the only country in Europe without a state public broadcasting service.
“BHRT is a public good that belongs to all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its protection is a test of political maturity and readiness to protect the public interest,” the Embassy emphasized.
As a gesture of solidarity and support, the Embassy of the Slovak Republic has ceded to BHRT the right to broadcast the Slovak film “What We Wanted, We Got”, which will be shown this Saturday at 4:15 p.m.
“This gesture is also an expression of our long-standing, exceptionally high-quality partnership with BHRT,” the Embassy of Slovakia said.
The film will be broadcast in Slovak, which is, among other things, the language of one of the recognized national minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“With this, BHRT further confirms its role as a public service that cares about the needs of everyone, including national minority communities,” the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in Bosnia and Herzegovina said.