From State Controlled to Public Service Broadcasting: Signs of Change in Serbia's RTS Television Newscasts 1989–2009

Abstract

This study examined the newscasts produced by Serbia's main television broadcaster, Radio-Television of Serbia (RTS), from 1989 to 2009. Its goal was to reveal possible changes that had been made in the newscasts as a shift took place in Serbia's political system, from one of authoritarian control to that of democratic governance. The findings showed the newscasts had changed, making them appear Western in style. Elements of Serbia's older news practices, however, were also apparent.