Professional paper
Illusion or Reality: An Application of the Public Service Broadcasting Model of Future Development of the Croatian National Television
Hrvoje Šalković
Abstract
The Public Service Broadcasting Model (PSBM) is a nationally structured model that
was formed in the early to the mid-twntieth century with the aim to broadcast the
highest degree of human knowledge that will democratically represent and act as the
unifying voice of the nation. The PSBM is a service in the interest of all members of
the public. It is considered to be open to differing views that find expression in modern
society. It must recognise that differences exist in the experiences and aspirations of
the audience. It must define itself as a service embracing all the people in the country
whom it is intended to serve.
This paper tackles the problems facing the Croatian National Television in its attempt
to transform into an institution that will broadcast programmes according to the principles
of the PSBM. In its history the HTV has passed through three entirely different
phases. Dominated by communist ideology in first phase, the HTV was established as
a negative reflection of the PSBM. In the second phase it was dominated by a system
of nationally autocratic rule. Finally, there is the current phase, following the general
elections held in January 2000. The hopes for a successful transformation of the HTV
into a PSBM-structured institution have increased since this handover of power. It is,
however, naïve to expect effective and easy changes. In its three-part chronological
analysis, this paper will attempt to assess whether the transformation of the HTV into a
PSBM-type institution is at all possible.
Although the Croatian National Television and the Croatian National Radio make one
unified broadcasting unit – Croatian Radio and theTelevision (HRT), the Croatian National
Television (HTV) will be analysed as an independent subject.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
23371
URI
Publication date:
20.5.2000.
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