23-08-2011

RTVS Reports Q2 Surplus

By FNE Staff
    BRATISLAVA: Slovak public broadcaster RTVS has reported a surplus of 5.4 billion euros for the first half of 2011. The station projects a balanced budget for the 2011 year.

    RTVS had heavy losses in 2010. In June 2011, it stopped broadcasting its sports channel, STV3, in a move to cut costs. In addition, over 100 jobs have been eliminated, and another 250 cuts are expected.

    The Slovak government recently voted to abolish TV license fees and will instead be financed by the state budget.

    According to Slovak news reports, the general director of RTVS called on the government to move forward with promised funding to help the broadcaster pay off its past debts, which are preventing it from investing in new programming.