19. 05. 2005

CHARGES AGAINST RTS DIRECTOR

BELGRADE, May 19, 2005 – Journalist of Radio Television Serbia Bojan Bosiljcic has announced pressing charges against the station. Former editor of RTS’ Cultural program said he would take legal actions against the station after being deposed from the office by Director General Aleksandar Tijanic for criticizing the station’s editorial policy. RTS Director Aleksandar Tijanic confirmed to B92 the dismissal of Bosiljcic saying that “the dismissal was legitimate, since those who criticize the station cannot work there”. Bosiljcic has been deposed for telling Belgrade media that “half-naked girls were promoted in prime-times, while the cultural issues have been pushed to the late night hours”. Tijanic’s decision to dismiss the editor on May 6, 2005, was based on unprofessional behavior and incorrect statements and claims on the accounts of his female colleagues, thus damaging RTS’ reputation. Bosiljcic however said that his statements could be easily backed by everyone who had seen the programs of private productions broadcast on the national television station. Tijanic said that Bosiljcic’s insulting of his colleagues was unacceptable, adding that “one must know one’s limits and that was the end of it”. Sacked editor accused Tijanic of cutting down the amount of cultural programs on weekly basis from 760 hours to 320 hours. He also blamed Tijanic for ardently protecting all journalists whom he brought to the RTS, but fervently ignoring other employees. The dismissed editor received support from representatives of the Nezavisnost Union, who noted that Tijanic was reviving verbal delict in the RTS.